Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken Recipe 🍗

Table of Contents

This Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken is a healthier, quicker alternative to traditional fried chicken, with a golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. The air fryer gives it the perfect crunch without the need for excess oil.

Ingredients:

  • 4 pieces of chicken (thighs or legs with skin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or spray (for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons wheat flour or cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

  • Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dry chicken will help the seasoning stick better and give you a crispier result.

2. Season the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin (if using).
  • Optional: For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the seasoning mix. This will give the chicken an even crunchier texture.
  • Lightly brush each piece of chicken with olive oil, then coat each piece evenly with the spice mixture. Make sure to cover the chicken thoroughly on all sides.

3. Preheat the Airfryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the right temperature for even cooking.
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4. Cook the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Be sure to leave space between the pieces to allow the air to circulate and cook evenly.
  • Cook for 15 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
  • After 15 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over and increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F). Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the chicken skin becomes golden and crispy.

5. Review & Check Doneness:

  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  • If you want even more crispiness, add an additional 2 minutes of cooking time.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the crispy chicken with a side of fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy your golden, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior!

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

  • Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on it. Boneless chicken may cook in about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature. Ensure it’s fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

2. Do I need to preheat the Airfryer?

  • Yes, preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. It’s an important step for achieving that perfect texture.

3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or legs?

  • Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may dry out faster. For a juicy result, you can marinate the chicken breasts for an hour before cooking. Also, adjust the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes depending on the size.
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4. Can I make this recipe without the oil?

  • While the olive oil helps the chicken get crispy, you can use oil spray or skip it entirely. Just note that the crispiness might be a bit less without the oil or spray.

5. Can I make this recipe without flour or cornstarch?

  • Yes, you can skip the flour or cornstarch, but the chicken will be slightly less crispy. The seasoning mix will still create a flavorful outer layer.

6. Can I double the recipe?

  • Yes, you can double the recipe, but you might need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket for the crispiest results.

7. What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?

  • If the chicken isn’t crispy enough, increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the desired crispiness is achieved.

8. How do I store leftovers?

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the skin.

Final Thoughts:

This Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken is a game-changer for those who love fried chicken but want to avoid the extra oil. It’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and so easy to make in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat! Enjoy! 🍗