Cornflake chicken is a delicious and popular dish that is loved by people of all ages. Traditionally, this dish is made by coating chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and then deep frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. However, deep frying can add a lot of extra calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. Luckily, there is a healthier alternative – making cornflake chicken in an air fryer. In this article, we will discuss how to make cornflake chicken in an air fryer, step by step.
Gather the ingredients
Before you start making cornflake chicken in an air fryer, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
1. Chicken pieces – You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken drumsticks, depending on your preference.
2. Cornflakes – These will be used to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
3. Flour – This will help the cornflakes stick to the chicken.
4. Eggs – These will be used to coat the chicken before coating it in the cornflakes.
5. Seasonings – You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other seasonings of your choice to add flavor to the chicken.
6. Cooking spray – This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Preparation
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the cornflake chicken.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This step is important to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Step 2: Crush the cornflakes
Next, place the cornflakes in a resealable plastic bag and crush them until they are finely crushed. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to crush the cornflakes. Make sure that the pieces are not too big.
Step 3: Season the flour
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with your desired seasonings. This will add flavor to the chicken. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.
Step 4: Coat the chicken
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 5: Dip in the egg mixture
In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs together until they are well mixed. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated.
Step 6: Coat with crushed cornflakes
Now, take the chicken out of the egg mixture and place it in the bag with the crushed cornflakes. Shake the bag gently to coat the chicken with the cornflakes. Press the cornflakes onto the chicken to make sure they stick.
Cooking in the air fryer
Step 1: Place the chicken in the air fryer
Once all the chicken pieces are coated with cornflakes, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket as this can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken.
Step 2: Spray with cooking oil
Spray the top of the chicken pieces with cooking spray. This will help to give the chicken a golden and crispy exterior.
Step 3: Cook
Close the air fryer and set the cooking time and temperature according to the recipe or the recommendations of your air fryer. Typically, cornflake chicken needs to be cooked at around 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Step 4: Check for doneness
After the recommended cooking time, open the air fryer and check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F, and the cornflakes should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Once the cornflake chicken is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will keep the chicken juicy and tender. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Making cornflake chicken in an air fryer is a delicious and healthier alternative to deep frying. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken without all the extra calories and unhealthy fats. Follow the simple steps outlined in this article, and you will have a batch of delicious cornflake chicken that will surely impress your family and friends. So, dust off your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!