Fried chicken is a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Traditionally, fried chicken is made by deep frying the chicken in hot oil. However, with the growing popularity of air fryers, it is now possible to achieve the same crispy texture and delicious taste without the need for excess oil. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps of making fried chicken in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
1. Chicken Pieces
First and foremost, you will need chicken pieces of your choice. Whether you prefer drumsticks, wings, thighs, or breast, make sure they are skin-on and bone-in for the best results. The skin adds a crispy texture, and the bones help retain the juiciness of the meat.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is essential to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. It helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a moist and tender final dish. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
3. Seasoning
To give your fried chicken a burst of flavor, you will need some seasoning. You can use a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices you like. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat.
4. Breadcrumbs or Panko
To achieve that crispy outer coating, you will need breadcrumbs or panko. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter, resulting in a crunchier texture. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs for added flavor and texture.
5. Cooking Spray or Olive oil
While an air fryer uses less oil than traditional frying, a little bit is still needed to create the golden brown crust. You can either use a cooking spray or lightly brush the chicken with olive oil.
Prepare Your Chicken
1. Marinate in Buttermilk
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl and pouring enough buttermilk over them to cover. Make sure all the chicken is submerged in the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Season the Chicken
Once your chicken is done marinating, remove it from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Place the chicken on a platter or plate and generously season it with your desired blend of spices and herbs. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and rub the seasoning into the chicken for maximum flavor.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs
Next, take each piece of seasoned chicken and coat it in the breadcrumbs or panko mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides, pressing the breadcrumbs gently into the surface to help them adhere.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.
Cooking Your Fried Chicken
1. Arrange the Chicken
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the hot air from circulating properly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
2. Cooking Time
Set the cooking time and temperature according to the guidelines in your air fryer’s manual. Generally, cooking bone-in chicken pieces in an air fryer takes around 20-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are crispy and evenly browned.
3. Check for Doneness
To ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If needed, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches the correct temperature.
4. Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicier final result. Serve your delicious fried chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Conclusion
Making fried chicken in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, while still delivering the same crave-worthy taste and texture. By following the easy steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful fried chicken without the need for excess oil. So, gather your ingredients, prepare and season your chicken, cook it in the air fryer, and indulge in this classic dish with a modern twist.