Crispy chicken in the airfryer: practical and dry recipe without frying
Who doesn’t love that crispy chicken in the airfryer that, just by looking, makes you want to hear the crunch of the crust? The best part is that it’s totally possible to prepare golden, crispy, and delicious chicken without using oil for frying. More than that, it’s very easy to make at home!
In this recipe, we’ll show you a simple step-by-step to impress your family and friends with a healthy and flavorful preparation. Shall we start?
How to make crispy chicken in the airfryer: ingredients and preparation method
Get ready to discover a practical and tasty way to make crispy chicken using the airfryer, enhancing the perfect texture, without mess and with less fat.
Ingredients needed:
- 500g chicken drumettes or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Olive oil or cooking spray for spraying
Step-by-step preparation:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings and let it rest for 10 minutes for the meat to absorb all the flavor.
- Prepare three containers for breading: one with the flour and cornstarch mixture, another with the beaten eggs, and the last with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken in this order – flour, egg, and panko – pressing lightly to adhere the crust well.
- Preheat the airfryer to 200 °C (392 °F) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the pieces in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation, and spray with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook at 200 °C for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through and reapplying the spray to ensure even more crispiness.
Tips for juicy crispy chicken and how to avoid it drying out
We know nothing ruins crispy chicken more than finding it dry inside. To avoid this, some strategies are essential when preparing recipes in the airfryer.
- Choosing the cuts: Prefer drumettes, thighs, or wings, which have more natural fat, ensuring a juicy interior.
- Keep the skin: It acts as a barrier that protects the meat from drying out with intense heat.
- Control cooking time: Excessive time in the airfryer causes the chicken to lose liquid; watch the cooking closely and turn the pieces to cook evenly.
- Use a food thermometer: The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 74 °C (165 °F) inside.
- Spray oil regularly: Besides ensuring crispiness, it helps create a protective layer against drying out.
Vary the breading: ideas to make your crispy chicken even tastier
Creativity when breading can transform the recipe and surprise you with different flavors and textures. Discover some amazing options to innovate your crispy airfryer chicken:
- Fine cornmeal: Gives a rustic and crunchy touch, perfect for those who love that typical farm food flavor.
- Ground oats: A healthy alternative that delivers a super crunchy texture. Just grind oat flakes until a fine crumb is formed.
- Mixed dried herbs: Add oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the panko for an amazing aroma and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Mix a little into the panko for a crispy result with an irresistible gratin touch.
With these variations, your crispy chicken in the airfryer will never become routine and will please all tastes!
Conclusion
Now that you know the secret to making a crispy chicken in the airfryer crispy, flavorful chicken totally free of traditional frying, there are no more excuses not to try this delicious dish at home.
Following this step-by-step along with the tips to avoid drying out, you’ll prepare chicken golden on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for any occasion.
Moreover, knowing how to diversify the breading makes the recipe even more versatile and special.
Save this recipe in your favorites notebook and take advantage of exploring all the flavors the airfryer can offer!
