Fried chicken is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its crispy golden crust and tender, juicy interior. Traditionally, deep-frying can be quite heavy and greasy, making it less appealing for those seeking healthier alternatives. However, with the rise of air fryers, you can now enjoy the same crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor of fried chicken without all the excess oil. In this article, we will guide you on how to make crispy air fryer fried chicken breast, a healthier, lighter, and equally delicious version of fried chicken.
What Is an Air Fryer?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s quickly discuss what an air fryer is and why it’s perfect for making crispy fried chicken. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, mimicking the results of deep frying but with significantly less oil. This method is known as air frying, and it is an excellent way to achieve that crispy texture we all crave while reducing fat and calories. The air fryer uses only a fraction of the oil compared to traditional deep frying, making it a healthier cooking option without sacrificing flavor.
Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken?
There are several reasons why you should consider making fried chicken in an air fryer:
- Healthier Option: Traditional fried chicken is cooked in large amounts of oil, which can add up to a lot of unnecessary calories and fat. Air frying uses much less oil (or none at all) while still achieving a crispy, golden crust, making it a healthier choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- Crispy and Juicy: Air frying produces a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The hot air circulates around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and a crunchy texture without the greasy heaviness of deep frying.
- Convenience: Cooking fried chicken in an air fryer is faster and easier than the traditional method. There’s no need to monitor a pot of hot oil, and the clean-up is a breeze since there’s little to no oil splatter.
- Versatility: Whether you’re looking for fried chicken recipes boneless or you want to experiment with different flavor profiles, air fryer recipes for fried chicken are highly versatile and easy to customize.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on how to make crispy chicken in an air fryer, specifically boneless chicken breasts, for a light yet indulgent meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients Needed for Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
To make your crispy fried chicken in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for a crispy coating)
For the Eggless Coating:
- 1 cup of buttermilk or milk (dairy-free if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, optional)
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal (optional, for added crispiness)
How to Make Fried Chicken in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are large, slice them horizontally to make them thinner, ensuring even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper for the best flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating
To make the crispy coating, mix the dry ingredients: flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add some dried thyme or oregano to this mix.
For the eggless wet mixture, whisk together the buttermilk (or milk) with Dijon mustard or hot sauce. This liquid mixture will help the flour coating adhere to the chicken and add moisture to keep it juicy inside.
If you want extra crunch, you can add breadcrumbs or cornmeal to the mixture. The combination of breadcrumbs and cornmeal provides a satisfying crunch that mimics the texture of deep-fried chicken without all the grease.
Step 3: Dipping the Chicken
First, dip the chicken breasts into the buttermilk mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Then, dredge them in the flour mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Preparing the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, simply run the fryer for about 3-5 minutes to get it hot.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help the coating become crispy without excess oil. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping to allow for even airflow and cooking.
Step 5: Cooking the Chicken
Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook the chicken breasts for 12-15 minutes. After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken over to ensure both sides get a golden, crispy texture. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the air fryer model, so use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Serving the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist. Serve the crispy air fryer fried chicken breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and tender inside. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Crispy Coating: To get the crispiest coating, use a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and cornmeal. This will give the fried chicken a texture similar to Southern fried chicken in an air fryer, ensuring each bite is crunchy and satisfying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around the chicken to create that crispy texture. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
- No Egg Fried Chicken: If you’re looking for a no-egg fried chicken recipe, this air fryer fried chicken breast recipe works perfectly well without eggs. The buttermilk or milk acts as a binder for the coating, so there’s no need for eggs.
- Adjust for Flavor: If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add some hot sauce to the wet mixture. For a more classic Southern fried chicken air fryer flavor, consider adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Why This Recipe Is Healthier
Compared to traditional fried chicken, this air fryer fried chicken breast recipe is a healthier alternative for several reasons:
- Less Oil: Traditional fried chicken is cooked by immersing the chicken in hot oil, which soaks into the chicken and increases the fat and calorie content. With an air fryer, you use only a small amount of oil, or even none at all, resulting in a much lighter dish.
- No Greasy Residue: Since the air fryer circulates hot air, there’s no excess oil that can leave the chicken greasy. The result is a crispy texture without the heavy aftertaste of fried food.
- Retains Nutrients: Air frying helps preserve the nutrients in the chicken, which are often lost in the deep-frying process.
- Lower in Fat: Using less oil significantly reduces the fat content of the chicken, making it a better option for those watching their fat intake.
Conclusion: How To Make Fried Chicken in Air Fryer
Fried chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer for those seeking a healthier, quicker, and equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. Whether you prefer crispy chicken in air fryer boneless or enjoy a traditional Southern fried chicken air fryer recipe, the air fryer provides a simple and versatile way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make healthy air fryer fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy fried chicken without the guilt, all while keeping your kitchen clean and oil-free.
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