Easy Chicken Recipes To Make With Air Fryer In 2023
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Tenders (Easy Recipe) from momswhosave.com
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is an electrical appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It's similar to a convection oven, but more efficient. Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens and cook food more quickly. Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and health benefits. They allow you to cook tasty and healthy meals without using oil or deep-frying. Plus, they're easy to use and clean up.
Benefits of an Air Fryer
Air fryers offer a number of benefits over traditional cooking methods. For starters, they're much more economical. The amount of energy used to heat up an air fryer is significantly less than what's needed to power a conventional oven. Additionally, air fryers are healthier than deep-frying because they cook with little to no oil. This results in fewer calories, less fat, and less grease in your meals.
Air fryers are also incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is load the basket with food, set the temperature, and wait for the timer to beep. Cleaning up is a breeze, as most air fryers come with dishwasher-safe parts. Plus, since air fryers cook without oil, you won't have to worry about dealing with a greasy mess.
Why Chicken is a Great Choice for Air Fryer Cooking
Chicken is one of the most popular ingredients for air fryer cooking. It's a lean protein source that's packed with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. It's also incredibly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. With an air fryer, you can make crispy and juicy fried chicken, as well as a variety of other dishes such as chicken nuggets, wings, and drumsticks.
One of the biggest advantages of cooking chicken in an air fryer is that it requires very little oil. This makes it a healthier option than deep-frying. Plus, you won't have to worry about dealing with a greasy mess.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try
If you're looking for some quick and easy air fryer recipes to make in 2023, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This recipe is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes to prepare. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season two boneless and skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the chicken is cooked through, remove from the air fryer and enjoy! Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it completely.
Coat the chicken breasts with the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere.
In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Dip each coated chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Slice or serve the crispy air fryer chicken breasts whole, and enjoy them hot with your favorite side dishes or in a sandwich.
This crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to create a crispy outer coating while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside. The combination of seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs gives the chicken a flavorful and crunchy texture. With minimal oil and less mess, the air fryer method is a convenient and efficient way to achieve that satisfying crispy exterior. Serve these crispy air fryer chicken breasts as a main dish or use them in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
2. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is a classic comfort food that's easy to make in an air fryer. Start by marinating two pounds of chicken in buttermilk for at least one hour. Then, mix together a batter with flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Dip the chicken pieces in the batter and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and enjoy! Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Dipping Sauce (optional):
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it completely.
Coat the chicken with the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere.
In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs or panko.
Dip each coated chicken piece into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
Once cooked, remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve the air fryer popcorn chicken hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
This air fryer popcorn chicken recipe delivers bite-sized chicken pieces with a crispy coating that's perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, providing a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. The combination of seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs creates a crunchy and flavorful exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. The optional dipping sauce adds a tangy and creamy element to complement the chicken. Enjoy these delicious and guilt-free popcorn chicken bites as a satisfying snack or as part of a meal.
3. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a great dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Start by mixing together a batter with flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cut two chicken breasts into strips and dip them in the batter. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and enjoy! Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Dipping Sauce (optional):
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it completely.
Coat the chicken with the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere.
In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs or panko.
Dip each coated chicken tenderloin into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
Place the coated chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Spray the tops of the chicken tenderloins with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve the air fryer chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
These air fryer chicken tenders are a healthier and delicious alternative to deep-fried versions. The air fryer method delivers crispy and golden-brown chicken tenders while retaining their juicy and tender texture on the inside. The combination of seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs creates a flavorful coating that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy these chicken tenders as a versatile meal option - serve them as a main dish, in wraps, on salads, or as a tasty snack. Pair them with the optional dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Air fryers make it easy to prepare delicious and healthy meals in no time. Chicken is a great ingredient to cook with an air fryer because it requires very little oil and is packed with essential nutrients. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, these easy air fryer chicken recipes are sure to hit the spot. Give them a try in 2023 and you won't be disappointed!
