Effortless Air Fryer Chicken: A Foolproof Recipe
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This air fryer Chicken is simply no-fuss, yielding golden brown, juicy, moist, ultra-tender, flavorful Chicken in just 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken
Fool-proof recipe: This recipe will consistently yield restaurant-quality, ultra-juicy, tender meat! And the higher fat content of the Chicken thighs will make them incredibly forgiving to dry out if overcooked.
Less mess: Say goodbye to greasy oil splatters in your kitchen! The air fryer method is so much cleaner than stovetop searing. And it keeps your kitchen nice and cool during the hot summer months by bypassing the oven.
Hands-off: This is a completely no-fuss, hands-off recipe. Simply season the Chicken, drop them in the air fryer basket, set the timer and flip halfway.
Saves time: The air fryer will preheat in minutes, cooking the chicken through in roughly 14 minutes.
What Is Air Fryer Chicken?
This is a method of cooking chicken in a countertop convection appliance, using rapidly circulating hot air to mimic the effects of deep frying. The key benefits of an air fryer include a quick preheat (in a matter of minutes), a faster cook time than traditional ovens, less oil used throughout, and contained messes and splatters within the basket.
Key Ingredients
Brown sugar: This is the secret ingredient for superior caramelization, yielding a sticky-sweet-savory crust.
Smoked paprika: Rather than a lengthy marinade, the smoked paprika is paired with dried thyme for that instant smoky, BBQ flavor, yielding a beautiful dark red crust on the chicken.
Cornstarch: This takes the place of all-purpose flour, providing a thinner, crispy, golden-brown coating for the chicken (also naturally gluten-free).
Avocado oil spray: Avocado oil can withstand high heat and has a completely neutral flavor, perfect to use as a light mist just before air frying.
How to Make Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels.
- Make the spice rub: Combine the brown sugar, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper (or use your favorite spice rub).
- Season the chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the spice rub, then sprinkle with cornstarch.
- Arrange the chicken: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, then spray with avocado oil spray.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken in a preheated air fryer until golden brown and cooked through (165°F), flipping at the halfway mark.
- Let rest and serve: Let the chicken rest at least 5 minutes before carving and serving.
Pro tip: Use your favorite seasoning mix. The seasoning blend of smoked paprika and dried thyme in this recipe will pair well with any side, but feel free to substitute your favorite seasoning blend or BBQ rub.
Tools For This Recipe
- Air fryer
- Instant read thermometer
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken
- Simple Side Salad
- Italian