The air fryer has revolutionised the way we cook chicken, offering healthier alternatives to deep-frying while maintaining the taste and texture that we love. From crispy wings to succulent drumsticks, chicken breasts, and even kebabs, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a quick meal, or a special occasion, these air fryer chicken dishes will satisfy your cravings without the extra calories.
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When you cook chicken in an air fryer, remember that just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results. A spritz of oil helps achieve that crispy texture without overloading the dish with unnecessary calories. For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Giving the chicken space allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring an even cook and crispiness on all sides.
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Marinating the chicken enhances its flavour and tenderness. Whether you're using a spice blend, yoghurt-based marinade, or something else, the longer the marination, the more flavour it will absorb. To avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C to ensure it’s fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat moist. If you have Usha’s Air Fryer, here are 7 delicious chicken dishes to make in your air fryer.
Crispy Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a classic favourite, and the air fryer is the perfect tool to cook them to perfection. With minimal oil, the wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Simply season the wings with a blend of spices or marinate them in your favorite sauce. The air fryer does the rest, cooking them evenly and locking in all the flavours. You can go traditional with buffalo wings or opt for a more exotic seasoning blend such as garlic parmesan or smoky barbecue.
Chicken Tenders
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Chicken tenders are a kid-friendly favorite that are quick and easy to make in an air fryer. Coat the chicken strips in breadcrumbs and seasoning, or dip them in a batter before air frying. The air fryer gives the tenders a perfectly crisp exterior without deep frying, making them much lighter and healthier. Serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for a satisfying snack or meal.
Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
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Chicken drumsticks are incredibly flavourful and juicy, especially when made in an air fryer. The skin crisps up beautifully, locking in the moisture of the meat, while the inside stays tender and juicy. To make spicy drumsticks, marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices, garlic, and ginger. Add a little bit of oil to help the seasoning stick and cook them in the air fryer until golden brown and crispy. Serve with a cooling dip, like raita, for a perfect contrast to the heat.
Chicken Breast With Herb Crust
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Air fryer chicken breasts can be a little tricky since they can dry out easily, but the key is to cook them at the right temperature and time. For a juicy and tender result, coat the chicken breast with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs before air frying. This gives the chicken a crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and flavourful. The air fryer helps achieve an even cook, making this dish a healthy yet satisfying option for dinner.
Chicken Kebabs
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Chicken kebabs are another great option for the air fryer. The key to perfect kebabs is marinating the chicken in your favorite spices, yoghurt, and oil to keep it tender. Once the chicken is marinated, skewer it along with your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Cook the skewers in the air fryer for a few minutes, and you’ll have tender, flavourful kebabs with a crispy char on the outside. You can even serve them with a side of naan or rice for a complete meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are juicy and flavourful, and they cook beautifully in an air fryer. To make honey garlic chicken thighs, marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes during the air frying process, creating a mouthwatering sticky coating on the chicken. The air fryer ensures that the skin is crispy and the meat is perfectly tender. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Chicken Parmesan
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Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that's perfect for the air fryer. Traditionally, the chicken is breaded and fried before being topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. In the air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy crust without deep frying, which makes it a healthier version of the beloved dish. Coat the chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, air fry until crispy, and then top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. A quick finish in the air fryer will melt the cheese and make it bubbly, ready to be served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread.