Broasted chicken is a popular dish that combines the deliciousness of fried chicken with the health benefits of roasting. Traditionally, broasting involves pressure cooking marinated chicken pieces before deep frying them. However, with the invention of air fryers, it is now possible to make broasted chicken that is equally delicious and healthier. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making broasted chicken in an air fryer, providing you with a simple and easy recipe that you can enjoy at home.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need for making broasted chicken in an air fryer.
1. Chicken Pieces: You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as thighs, drumsticks, or wings. Make sure they are bone-in for extra flavor.
2. Marinade: Prepare a marinade of your choice by combining ingredients like buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors and help keep it moist.
3. Coating: For the crispy outer layer, you will need flour and your favorite spices. Common additions include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to experiment with different spices and add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
4. Cooking Spray: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket, use some cooking spray or brush the basket with oil.
Preparing the Chicken
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to prepare the chicken for cooking.
1. Marinating the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Marinating the chicken overnight will result in more flavorful and tender meat.
2. Coating the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it with the delicious crispy coating.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour and spices together. Take each marinated chicken piece and shake off any excess marinade. Roll the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or wire rack, allowing them to rest for a few minutes. This will help the coating adhere better when cooking.
Cooking the Broasted Chicken
Now comes the exciting part – cooking the broasted chicken in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness.
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develop a golden brown color.
2. Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in the basket, leaving some space between each piece for proper air circulation.
3. Cooking Time
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Crisping the Skin
For extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken pieces using the air fryer’s crisp or broil function. This step is optional but highly recommended for achieving that classic broasted chicken texture. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid over-browning.
5. Resting Time
Once cooked, remove the broasted chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Serving and Enjoying Your Broasted Chicken
Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious broasted chicken. Here are some suggestions for serving and pairing your flavorful dish.
– Serve the broasted chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
– Pair it with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal.
– Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken.
– Enjoy your broasted chicken with family and friends, and savor the flavors of this healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Making broasted chicken in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic dish without the excess oil and added calories. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and healthier alternative that will be a hit at any meal. So, next time you crave the taste of fried chicken, grab your air fryer and embark on a culinary adventure that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.