Why you should make air fryer crispy chicken
Using an for this recipe saves time and makes cleaning up much easier. The circulating air ensures that every piece of Crispy Chicken cooks evenly without the need for deep frying. It is a reliable way to get a consistent crunch every time you cook. You can serve these pieces with your favourite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Follow these simple steps for air fryer crispy chicken
Prepare ingredients: Cut the chicken into even strips or bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Set up three bowls containing the flour, the beaten egg and the breadcrumbs mixed with salt and garlic powder.
Coat chicken: Dip each piece into the flour and shake off any excess before dipping it into the egg. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure it is fully covered on all sides.
Arrange tray: Place the breaded pieces in the basket in a single layer without overlapping them. Lightly spray or brush the top of the pieces with olive oil to help the coating become golden.
Cook pieces: Cook at 200C for about 12 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Turn the chicken over halfway through the time to ensure the base becomes just as crunchy as the top.
Good advice for air fryer crispy chicken
Do not overcrowd the basket when you are making Crispy Chicken. If the pieces are touching, the air cannot reach the sides and the coating will not be as firm. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones provides a much better texture. You can add extra spices like smoked paprika or dried herbs to the flour for more flavour. Always check that the meat is cooked through by cutting into the thickest piece.
If you have leftovers, you can put them back in the for a few minutes to make them crunchy again. Preheating the for three minutes before adding the chicken can also help the base start cooking immediately. Small pieces will cook faster than large fillets, so try to keep them uniform. If the coating looks dry halfway through, a tiny bit more oil spray can help.
You can find more inspiration in
air fryer cinnamon rolls,
air fryer chicken with bacon or
air fryer halloumi fries.
