Air Fried Chicken is such an easy and cleaner method to fry chicken thighs and legs to perfection. Leaving the skin on and coating in an easy to prep batter makes these crispy yet moist and packed with flavour. Using an Air Fryer is a quick way to cook and cheaper to run than most oven. As with all new gadgets, its worth researching them before buying especially the size. Serve as a main dish with salad and/or fries or as a starter.
Air-fried chicken has become a popular alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering the same satisfying crunch without the guilt. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden-brown coating on chicken thighs while significantly reducing the amount of oil used in the cooking process. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a healthier version of a classic comfort food.
The secret to great air-fried chicken lies in the seasoning. A combination of all-purpose flour and a carefully selected blend of spices transforms simple chicken thighs into a flavourful delight. Paprika and cayenne pepper bring a hint of warmth, while celery salt adds a subtle depth. A touch of black pepper rounds out the seasoning, providing just enough kick to excite the taste buds. The egg, an essential binding agent, ensures the flour mixture adheres perfectly to the skin, creating that desired crispiness.
What’s remarkable about air-fried chicken is that it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The chicken remains juicy and tender, with the skin achieving a satisfying crunch. This method also saves time, as air fryers cook more quickly and evenly than traditional frying methods.
In essence, air-fried chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved dish with a healthier twist. It’s perfect for those who love the flavours of fried chicken but are looking to cut back on excess oil and calories without sacrificing that classic taste and texture.
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Air Fried Chicken
A lovely quick and clean version of a classic recipe. These chicken thighs are moist inside with a lovely crispy coating.
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Servings: 4 Portion
Calories: 323kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs skin on
- 1 large egg free range
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne
- ¼ tsp celery salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Turn on the air dryer and set to 390 degrees
- Place 2 bowls side by side and in one add the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne and celery salt and stir well to combine.½ cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp paprika, 1 pinch cayenne, ¼ tsp celery salt, 1 pinch ground black pepper
- In the second add the egg and beat well.1 large egg
- Dunk the chicken thighs into the flour mixture making sure it is fully covered. Transfer it to the egg and dunk and then back into the flour mixture again.4 large chicken thighs
- Shake of any excess flour mixture and place into the air fryer. Do not overfill so check your air fryer instruction booklet for volume.
- Close the drawer and cook for 25 minutes or until full cooked and 180 degrees internally.
- Remove from the fryer and serve with dips, salad, chips
Nutrition
Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 157mg | Sodium: 832mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 228IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
8 comments
Ready in only 25 minutes is always going to be a winner for me.
The chicken was incredibly tender, and the crispy coating had a lovely blend of spices. It’s amazing how well the air fryer mimics the texture of deep frying.
The balance of paprika, celery salt, and cayenne gave it a nice depth without overpowering the chicken.
Absolutely delicious! The air fryer did an excellent job crisping up the skin, and the seasoning was just right.
I loved the ease of using the air fryer, and it’s great to know I can enjoy fried chicken without the extra calories. I’ll tweak the seasoning next time for a bit more kick.
A simple weeknight dinner ready before you know it.
It’s my new go-to method for making fried chicken at home.
This air-fried chicken was good, but the coating didn’t stick as well as I’d hoped. The flavours were nice, though, and I appreciated the lightness compared to traditional fried chicken.