How To Make The Best Fried Chicken In Your Air Fryer – Get The Step-by-step Guide Now!

Craving the tantalizing taste of crispy fried chicken without the guilt? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative kitchen appliance offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, delivering crispy and juicy chicken with a fraction of the fat. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fried chicken air fryer, ensuring a mouthwatering meal every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Create the Buttermilk Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, then into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Spray the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
6. Place the Chicken in the Basket: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken:

• Use a double coating: Double-coating the chicken with the buttermilk and flour mixture creates an extra crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Shake the basket halfway through: Shaking the basket during cooking helps ensure even browning.
• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Chicken is not crispy enough: Increase the cooking time or double-coat the chicken.
• Chicken is too dry: Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the buttermilk mixture before cooking.
• Chicken is overcooked: Reduce the cooking time or check the internal temperature before removing from the air fryer.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to the flour mixture.
• Buffalo Fried Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, barbecue)

Recommendations:

Mastering the art of fried chicken air fryer is a culinary triumph that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. By following these simple steps and experimenting with different variations, you can create crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken that rivals any restaurant-style offering. So, embrace the convenience of your air fryer and enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of perfectly fried chicken whenever the craving strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the air fryer?
A: Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket?
A: Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Q: What is the best way to reheat fried chicken?
A: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.