Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Crispy Creations: Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Whether fried, roasted, curried or grilled, chicken is versatile protein capable of satisfying your food cravings while also giving your body the needed nutrients. While incredibly delicious, some chicken preparations like fried chicken are high in saturated fat and trans-fat which the body may not be able to break down efficiently. However, if you wish to enjoy the crispiness of fried chicken without the guilt, you may want to consider an air fryer. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that is intended to provide a similar crispy feel like you are deep frying whilst using less oil. In this article, we bring to you easy air fryer chicken recipes.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Here are some benefits of an air fryer:

• Relatively Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use hot air circulation instead of oil to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior. This helps reduce fat and calorie intake, promoting a healthier diet and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
• Time Efficiency: Air fryers also tend to cook food faster than traditional methods. The hot air circulation reduces cooking time, thus making it a time-efficient option for individuals with busy schedules.
• Versatile Cooking: Air fryers can be used for various cooking techniques like roasting, grilling, baking and reheating leftovers. This versatility allows for a wide range of healthy meal options.
• Easy to Use and Clean: Air fryers have simple operations, which includes preheating, adding food, and setting the cooking time and temperature. They also have removable parts that are easy to clean.

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Cooking chicken in an air fryer offers mighty health advantages. It is a convenient way to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken without the guilt of excessive oil. Here are some chicken recipes using an air fryer.

Crispy Chicken

To make crispy chicken in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer. Cut the chicken into thin strips. Then, season the chicken with the desired seasonings and egg batter (if you want the texture to be crunchy). Next, place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your mouthwatering crispy chicken!

Chicken Lollipop

Chicken lollipops are made by marinating chicken drumettes with spices, coating them in cornstarch and air frying until crispy. They are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Serve them as an appetizer or main course for a flavourful and satisfying meal. Air fry the chicken at 190°C for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Nuggets

To make chicken nuggets in an air fryer, first, prepare bite-sized chicken pieces by seasoning them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Then, coat the chicken pieces in breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. Preheat the air fryer and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once cooked, serve the crispy chicken nuggets with your favourite dipping sauces.

Tandoori Chicken

To make tandoori chicken in an air fryer, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, spices and seasonings. Preheat the air fryer, remove excess marinade from the chicken, and place the chicken pieces in the basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is cooked properly. Let the chicken rest before serving with lemon, coriander and onions.

Patrapoda Chicken

To make Patrapoda chicken in an air fryer, prepare a yogurt-based marinade with spices and marinate the chicken pieces same as Tandoori Chicken. Wrap each piece in cleaned banana leaves or any aromatic leaves you prefer. Preheat the air fryer, then cook the wrapped chicken packets for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked properly. Let the cooked chicken rest before unwrapping the chicken. Enjoy the delicious and smoky-flavoured Patrapoda chicken prepared in the air fryer, a delightful delicacy from the Odia cuisine.

Chicken Popcorn

This is another simple air fryer chicken recipe. Marinate the bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder and any other desired spices. Drain the excess marinade from the chicken pieces and toss them in the breadcrumb and flour mixture until well coated. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the pieces with oil for crispiness. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serve crispy chicken popcorn with your favourite dipping sauces.

Tips on Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

Here are some tips especially for chicken air fryer recipes:

• Consider Using Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Boneless, skinless cuts of chicken, like chicken breasts or chicken tenders, tend to work best in an air fryer as they cook more quickly and evenly.
• Cut Chicken into Even Pieces: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. This will help prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Give Space for Air Circulation: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between the pieces. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and helps ensure proper browning.
• Use Cooking Oil Spray: Spraying the chicken with cooking oil before air frying helps promote browning and crispiness. It is advisable to use an oil spray specifically designed for air frying.