Oh, the air fryer! A modern marvel that transforms humble ingredients into magic. I recently stumbled upon these juicy chicken recipes that are so succulent, they make my taste buds do a little dance—like that unexpected TikTok trend that just won’t leave your head. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and all without the fuss of traditional frying.
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. Aim for 3-4 thin pieces per breast if you have a one-pound package. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture.
- Mix and Apply Spices: Combine the spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken pieces and add avocado oil. Toss the chicken well to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the spice mix.
- Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer. Arrange the chicken pieces on the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook the chicken at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, adjusting to 13 minutes for larger pieces, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly. Slice and serve while it’s still warm. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (fine salt like Morton table salt recommended for better coating)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (increase spices by 1.5x for 1.5 pounds of chicken)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of oil instead of avocado oil?
- Yes, you may substitute avocado oil with another high smoke point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. This ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful while cooking at high temperatures in the air fryer.
- What should I do if my chicken breasts are larger than one pound?
- If your chicken breasts weigh closer to 1.5 pounds, simply increase the amount of spices by 1.5 times to ensure that the chicken is properly seasoned.
- Can I marinate the chicken for longer?
- Absolutely! You can let the chicken sit with the spices for up to 24 hours in the fridge to enhance the flavor. Just remember to add the cornstarch right before air frying for the best results.
- What is a good substitute for the spice blend if I’m short on time?
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning blend. For a pound of chicken, use about 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix in place of the paprika, salt, onion, and garlic powders. Then add cornstarch and brown sugar as per the recipe.
- How can I make the gochujang dipping sauce?
- Mix 1/2 cup mayo with about 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce, 1 clove of grated garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and a dash of rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce pairs wonderfully with the air-fried chicken.
Tips
- Slice the Chicken Thinly: Ensure each chicken breast is cut into thin, flat pieces to guarantee even cooking and a juicy interior. This also maximizes the delicious crispy exterior.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a golden, crispy coating while ensuring the chicken remains juicy inside.
- Coat Thoroughly with Spices: Mix the spices well and coat the chicken pieces thoroughly to enhance flavor. You can let the chicken sit with the spices for a more intense taste, but it’s still delicious if cooked immediately.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, adjusting the time slightly for larger pieces. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the chicken to achieve the desired crispy and juicy texture.
