The Secrets To Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryers have become a popular appliance in many kitchens, and for good reason. 

They offer a healthier way to cook fried foods with less oil while still providing the crispiness and flavor that we love. 

One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is fried chicken, and with the right technique, you can achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time. 

Here are some secrets to perfect air fryer fried chicken.

Start with the right chicken

The key to good fried chicken is starting with high-quality chicken. Choose chicken pieces that are fresh and have a good balance of fat and meat. Thighs and drumsticks are great for frying because they have a higher fat content, which helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving crispy fried chicken. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Use a dry batter

When coating your chicken, make sure to use a dry batter. Wet batter will not work well in an air fryer and will result in a soggy mess. Instead, use a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices to coat your chicken. You can also add some breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to cook unevenly and result in soggy spots. If you need to cook more chicken than can fit in one batch, cook in batches instead of overcrowding.

Spray with oil

While the air fryer uses less oil than traditional frying, it's still important to spray your chicken with oil before cooking. This helps the chicken crisp up and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket. Use a cooking spray or a spray bottle filled with oil to lightly coat the chicken.

Flip halfway through

Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken and avoid touching the hot air fryer basket with your hands.

Use a meat thermometer

The best way to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and make sure it reads at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat and also helps prevent overcooking.

Perfect air fryer fried chicken requires the right chicken, a dry batter, preheating the air fryer, not overcrowding the basket, spraying with oil, flipping halfway through, and using a meat thermometer. 

With these tips and some practice, you can enjoy delicious, crispy fried chicken without the guilt of traditional frying.