When it comes to finding a crispy, delicious, and healthier way to fry chicken, nothing beats an air fryer. Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular as they are a much healthier alternative compared to traditional deep fryers. By using an air fryer to fry chicken, you can achieve all the same flavors and crunchiness with much less oil and fat. Read on to find out more about how to fry chicken in an air fryer.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot air. It works by circulating hot air around the food, resulting in a crunchy outer layer and juicy interior. Air fryers are gaining popularity due to their ability to cook food with very little oil or fat, making them a much healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers. They are also much faster than traditional methods of cooking, as they usually only take a few minutes to cook food.
What You Need to Fry Chicken in an Air Fryer
To fry chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following items: an air fryer, chicken breasts (or any other type of chicken you prefer), oil or oil spray, a shallow bowl, and a few seasonings of your choice. You can also use a marinade or dry rub to add extra flavor to your chicken.
Preparing the Chicken for Frying
Before you begin the frying process, you need to prepare the chicken. Start by cutting the chicken into thin strips or cubes. Next, place the chicken in a shallow bowl and season it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Once the chicken is seasoned, add a few tablespoons of oil to the bowl and mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This will help to ensure that the chicken fries up nice and crispy.
Frying the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Once the chicken is prepared, it is time to begin frying. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray the basket of the air fryer with oil or cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece. Finally, set the timer for 8-10 minutes and let the air fryer do its work. Check on the chicken every few minutes to ensure it is cooking evenly.
Serving the Chicken
Once your chicken is done frying, it is time to serve it. You can serve the chicken as is, or you can top it with some extra seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika. Additionally, you can pair the chicken with some sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. These sides will help to round out the meal and make it even more delicious.
Cleaning the Air Fryer
Once you are done frying your chicken, it is important to clean the air fryer. Start by removing the basket and emptying out any excess oil or grease. Then, wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Finally, use a brush or spatula to remove any stuck-on bits from the basket. Once everything is clean, your air fryer is ready to be used again.
Conclusion
Frying chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get a delicious, crispy meal without all the added fat and calories of a traditional deep fryer. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious fried chicken in no time. So next time you are in the mood for some fried chicken, give air frying a try.
