The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Airfryer Chicken

Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance in recent years due to their ability to make fried foods like chicken with significantly less oil. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to crisp and brown foods, mimicking the texture and flavor of deep frying. This allows home cooks to enjoy delicious fried chicken recipes without the excess calories and mess of traditional deep frying.

In this guide, we will cover a variety of airfryer chicken recipes that are easy to make at home. To start, we'll discuss how to make basic airfryer chicken tenders and wings with just a few simple ingredients. Next, we'll share recipes for airfrying chicken legs and thighs for juicy, flavorful dark meat. We'll also provide some creative recipes that utilize the airfryer to put a new spin on fried chicken, like airfryer popcorn chicken and Cajun airfryer chicken. Finally, we'll cover how to make an entire airfryer roasted chicken and share tips for cleaning and storing your airfryer.

Whether you're looking for quick and easy weeknight meals or want to experiment with fried chicken flavors without the fat, this guide will provide plenty of tasty airfryer chicken inspiration! The airfryer makes it simple to enjoy your favorite comfort foods in a healthier way.

Basic Airfried Chicken

Air frying chicken is a quick and easy way to make juicy, crispy chicken at home. It's perfect for cooking chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks or wings using little to no oil.

When preparing chicken for the air fryer, it's best to keep the pieces on the smaller side so they cook evenly. Chicken breasts can be cut into strips or cubes. Thighs, drumsticks and wings can be kept whole. Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before cooking.

There are many different ways to flavor air fried chicken. A simple breading of seasoned flour or panko breadcrumbs works great. For added flavor and crunch, try using crushed cornflakes or potato chips in the coating. Marinating the raw chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce or other acidic ingredients before breading will help the coating stick and add moisture.

When it comes to cooking, air fryers generally need higher heat and shorter cook times than traditional ovens. For boneless chicken pieces, set the air fryer to 190°C and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Bone-in pieces like wings and drumsticks will take 15-20 minutes at the same temperature. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your quick and easy crispy air fried chicken!

Airfried Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a family favorite! The best cuts for airfried tenders are the tenderloins attached to the underside of chicken breasts.

Chicken tenderloins are naturally tender and boneless. Trimming any excess fat or sinew will help them cook up crispy and golden brown.

Breading is key for airfried tenders. Some delicious options include:

Panko breadcrumbs - These Japanese breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy crust. Combine panko with parmesan cheese and herbs for delicious flavor.
Cajun seasoning - A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and other spices gives tenders a spicy kick. Dredge tenders in cajun seasoning before airfrying.
Cornflake crumbs - Crushed cornflakes make a crunchy coating. Consider adding honey or maple syrup to the cornflake crumbs for a hint of sweetness.

When airfrying chicken tenders, cook at 205°C for 8-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Flip the tenders halfway during cooking. Smaller tender pieces may take less time than larger tenders.

Allow the tenders to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The resting period allows juices to reabsorb for juicy, tender results. Enjoy your crispy airfried chicken tenders!

Airfried Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer and perfect for the air fryer. The hot circulating air crisps up the skin beautifully while keeping the meat juicy. There are a few techniques to get the best results when air frying wings.

First, decide if you want to cook whole wings, wing flats (the middle segment), or wing drums (the meatier segment attached to the body). Whole wings take slightly longer to cook but give you the full wing experience. Separating into flats and drums allows you to cook each segment properly without over or undercooking.

To prep the wings, wash and pat dry thoroughly, then coat with oil or dry rub seasoning. Make sure the seasoning coats each wing evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight to let the flavors penetrate.

When ready to cook, arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry at 205°C for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness and continue cooking if needed until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.

After air frying, you can toss the wings with your favorite sauce. Traditional Buffalo sauce is always a crowd pleaser. For extra crispy skin, coat the cooked wings with a bit of cornstarch before saucing. Air fry for 2-3 more minutes to set the sauce.

Other flavorful rubs and sauces to try with airfryer wings include:

Lemon pepper
Cajun dry rub
Jamaican jerk seasoning
Sticky sesame garlic
Honey sriracha
Korean BBQ

The air fryer really locks in flavors and gives great results every time. Be sure to air fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and enjoy perfectly cooked wings any night of the week.

Airfried Chicken Legs

Chicken legs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy airfryer chicken. Here are some tips for getting the best results when cooking chicken legs in an air fryer:

Best Practices for Legs

Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bone helps keep the meat moist.
Pat the chicken legs dry before seasoning or coating to help them get extra crispy.
Brush or rub chicken legs with oil before airfrying. This helps promote browning and a crispy skin.
Flip the legs halfway during cooking so both sides get evenly browned.
An air fryer cooking rack can help air circulate under the chicken for even cooking.
The skin may need a few extra minutes if not as browned or crispy as desired.

Marinades and Spice Rubs

There are endless options for flavoring chicken legs before airfrying. Consider marinating legs overnight or applying a spice rub right before cooking. Some delicious ideas include:

Lemon-herb marinade - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano.
BBQ rub - Use spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
Jerk seasoning - Make a wet marinade or dry rub with jamaican jerk spices and scallions.
Italian dressing marinade - Use zesty italian dressing or a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and italian seasoning.

Temperature and Cook Times

Preheat air fryer to 190°C. This high heat helps chicken skin get crispy.
Cook bone-in chicken legs for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. Thicker legs may need up to 25 minutes.
Chicken is done when a thermometer reads 75°C internally and the juices run clear.
For boneless legs or leg quarters, decrease cook time to 14-18 minutes.
Add 3-5 minutes if chicken legs are still not as browned or crispy as desired.

Following these airfryer techniques will result in juicy, flavorful chicken legs with crispy golden skin. Experiment with different seasonings and enjoy this easy chicken dinner.

Fried Chicken Airfryer Recipes

Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to make deliciously crispy fried chicken at home without all the oil and mess of traditional deep frying. With an air fryer, you can enjoy your favorite fried chicken dishes with a fraction of the calories and fat. Here are some of the most popular fried chicken recipes adapted for the air fryer:

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and soak them in buttermilk overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and gives that signature tangy flavor.
The next day, dredge the chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture. Use a combination of flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Spray the chicken with oil and air fry at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and crispy.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Pound chicken breast or tenders to an even thickness and brine for 1-2 hours in salt, brown sugar, hot sauce, and spices.
Coat with seasoned flour then air fry at 205°C for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
Toss the fried chicken in a spicy cayenne and brown sugar sauce. Serve over white bread with pickle chips.

General Tso's Chicken

Cut boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-size pieces and toss with cornstarch, egg whites, rice wine, and spices.
Air fry at 205°C for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Toss the fried chicken in your favorite General Tso's sauce. Serve over steamed rice.

Chicken Katsu

Pound chicken breasts until thin and coat with flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs.
Air fry at 205°C for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice and serve with tonkatsu sauce, rice, and vegetables.

The air fryer lets you enjoy crispy, juicy fried chicken without all the oil and mess of deep frying. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to put your own spin on classic fried chicken dishes.

Whole Airfryer Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer results in crispy, juicy meat infused with lots of flavor. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can make restaurant-quality air fried chicken at home.

One method for preparing whole chicken for the air fryer is spatchcocking. This involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken so it cooks evenly. To spatchcock, place the chicken breast side down and use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove and discard the backbone. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten.

Seasoning is key for maximum flavor. Rub olive oil all over the chicken along with your favorite spices. Get seasoning under the skin by gently loosening it from the meat with your fingers. You can also stuff herbs, lemons, or garlic in the chicken cavity.

Cook times will vary based on the size of your chicken. For a 1.5 kg chicken, cook at 205°C for 32-38 minutes, flipping halfway. Check the internal temperature, aiming for 75°C in the thickest part of the breast and 82°C in the thighs. For a larger 2-3 kg chicken, increase cook time to 45-60 minutes. Monitor closely and flip as needed to prevent burning.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving for juicy, tender meat. Air fried whole chicken is delicious on its own or pairs well with roasted veggies or salad.

Clean-Up and Maintenance

One of the best things about air fryers is how easy they are to clean up after cooking. Here are some tips for cleaning your air fryer basket, pan, and removing any stubborn oil buildup or smells:

Cleaning the Basket and Pan

Remove the basket and pan from the air fryer after each use. Allow them to cool completely before cleaning.
Wash the basket and pan in hot soapy water, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub away any stuck on food bits.
For stubborn grease stains, fill the pan with hot water and a degreasing agent like baking soda or dish soap. Let it soak for 10-30 minutes before scrubbing clean.
Rinse and dry the basket and pan thoroughly after cleaning.

Removing Odors and Oil Buildup

Over time, air fryers can accumulate an oily buildup and smell from the constant exposure to oil and fried foods.
To remove odors, wipe down the inside of the appliance with a cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. You can also put a dishwasher tablet in the pan, fill it with water, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub clean.
For excessive oil buildup, mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste. Coat the inside of the air fryer basket and pan with the paste. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean.
For stubborn oil stains, use a degreasing agent like lemon juice and let it soak before scrubbing. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
After cleaning, run the air fryer empty on high heat for 5-10 minutes to burn off any lingering odors.

Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your air fryer running efficiently for a long time!

Airfryer Chicken Storage

Properly storing your leftover airfryer chicken is important to keep it safe to eat. Here are some tips:

Refrigerating

Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating, within 2 hours of cooking.
Store chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Allow chicken to cool completely before freezing.
Portion chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Leftovers

For best results, reheat chicken in the air fryer at 180°C for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
You can also reheat in the microwave or oven. Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.
Only reheat leftovers once.

Following proper storage guidelines will keep your airfryer chicken fresh and safe to enjoy again later!

FAQs

Common Troubleshooting Questions

Why is my chicken not getting crispy in the air fryer? There are a few possible reasons why your air fried chicken may not get as crispy as you'd like. Make sure the chicken is as dry as possible before cooking - pat it thoroughly with paper towels. Coat the chicken with cornstarch, breadcrumbs, or panko to help create a crispy crust. Also check that you are not overcrowding the air fryer basket - leave space between pieces for air circulation. Finally, adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed to get the level of crispiness you desire.
Why does my air fried chicken have soggy skin? Soggy chicken skin is often caused by not fully preheating the air fryer before cooking. Make sure to preheat for 3-5 minutes as recommended by your model. Additionally, overcrowding can lead to soggy skin from steam. Leave space between pieces and cook in batches if needed. Brushing the skin with oil before cooking can also help prevent sogginess.
My air fried chicken is burnt on the outside but raw inside. How can I fix this? This is an indication that the temperature is too high but the cooking time is too short. Try lowering the temperature by 25°C and increasing the cooking time. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75°C at the thickest part. Flipping the chicken halfway through may also help prevent burning.

Tips and Tricks

When breading chicken for the air fryer, use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust. Let the breaded chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
Spray the chicken with a light coating of oil before air frying for a crispier skin. Olive oil or avocado oil work well.
For juicy meat, brine the chicken in saltwater for 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry before breading.
Air fry chicken on a rack or grill plate insert to allow air flow all around the pieces. The rack also prevents burning.
To make cleanup easier, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Check the chicken's temperature halfway through cooking. Air fryers can cook faster than expected.
When air frying a whole chicken, truss the legs closed so they don't overcook compared to the thighs and breasts.
Use cooking spray on air fryer accessories to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Re-apply before each use.
Store leftover air fried chicken properly refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to crispen the skin.