Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: the ultimate air fryer fried chicken recipe for oven perfection

Indulge in the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken without the guilt! Our air fryer fried chicken recipe transforms your air fryer oven into a culinary haven, delivering restaurant-quality fried chicken in the comfort of your home. With its exceptional crispiness and tender interior, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer Oven

• Preheat your air fryer oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

4. Baste the Chicken

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and melted butter.
• Use a pastry brush to baste the chicken with the oil mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

5. Check for Doneness

• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
• The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the chicken from the air fryer oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, double-dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.
• If your air fryer oven does not have a rotisserie function, rotate the chicken pieces manually every 5 minutes for even cooking.
• To make boneless, skinless chicken breasts, follow the same recipe but reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• If the chicken is not cooked through after the recommended cooking time, increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Reduced Fat Content: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of the chicken.
• Lower Cholesterol: The reduced fat content also contributes to lower cholesterol levels.
• Nutrient Preservation: Air frying preserves more nutrients than deep frying, as the chicken is not submerged in hot oil.
• Versatile Cooking: Air fryer ovens can also be used to cook a variety of other foods, making them a versatile kitchen appliance.

Final Thoughts: A Revolution in Fried Chicken

Our air fryer fried chicken recipe is a game-changer for fried chicken lovers. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and reduced fat content, it offers a guilt-free indulgence that will satisfy your cravings. So, grab your air fryer oven and get ready to experience the ultimate fried chicken at home!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. What dipping sauces go well with air fryer fried chicken?

Classic dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing pair well with air fryer fried chicken. You can also experiment with other sauces, such as buffalo sauce or spicy mayo.

3. How can I make sure my chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I use my air fryer oven to cook other types of food?

Yes, air fryer ovens are versatile appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including french fries, onion rings, vegetables, and even desserts.

5. How often should I clean my air fryer oven?

It is recommended to clean your air fryer oven after every use to prevent buildup of grease and food particles.