Air Fryer Fried Chicken Crispy Juicy Southern Comfort
- Recipe Introduction
- Get That Crispy Fix: Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken
- What You'll Need for the Best Air Fryer Chicken
- Making the Magic Happen: Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Ninja Air Fryer Success
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
- Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, Southern Comfort!
- Recipe Notes for Ninja Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper Southern comfort food , but hate the mess? What if I told you could have crispy fried chicken that's also kind of healthy? We are making ninja air fryer fried chicken today!
Brief Overview
Air fryer recipes are all the rage, but this is about the real deal. This recipe takes you straight to the South.
We are talking perfectly seasoned chicken. It is simple and requires about an hour to make. This recipe yields four servings.
Main Benefits
This healthy fried chicken recipe is the best way to have fried chicken. This is the best air fryer chicken recipe .
You get that deep fried flavor, but with way less oil. The best part is that it is an all-time favorite and a party hit! This recipe is going to be the highlight of your culinary achievements!
Get That Crispy Fix: Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken
Remember those summer barbecues? The smell of fried chicken filling the air! Now you can have that, anytime, with your ninja air fryer and my air fryer recipes chicken version.
The Ninja air fryer is the secret weapon. We're making crispy fried chicken air fryer style. I used to think fried chicken was only for special occasions.
But, now, it's easy enough for a weeknight treat!
What You'll Need for the Best Air Fryer Chicken
- For the Brine: Water, kosher salt, sugar, black peppercorns, garlic, and hot sauce.
- For the Chicken: Chicken pieces, flour, cornstarch, spices, eggs, and milk.
- Equipment: Ninja Air Fryer , bowls, and meat thermometer.
Air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer drumsticks recipe work great. Just adjust air fryer cooking times chicken . I have experimented with different chicken pieces, and drumsticks turn out so crispy.
Making the Magic Happen: step-by-step Guide
First, brine the chicken. Then, prepare the breading and egg wash. Next, coat each piece well. Finally, air fry until golden brown and cooked through.
I once forgot to pat the chicken dry. Big mistake! The breading was soggy. Don't do that!
Tips for Ninja Air Fryer Success
- Don't skip the brine! It's key to juicy chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading for extra crispiness.
- Spray generously with cooking spray. This helps the chicken get golden.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
So, you wanna make some ninja air fryer fried chicken ? Awesome! Don't worry, it's way easier than you think.
Let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we? Trust me, even if you haven't got a culinary degree, this crispy fried chicken air fryer recipe is totally doable.
Think of it as southern comfort food , but with a modern, healthier twist.
Main Ingredients
Right, first things first, the chicken . We're talking 3 lbs (1.3kg) of bone-in, skin-on pieces. I personally like thighs and drumsticks more flavor, you know? If using chicken breasts, cut them in half.
Next, the brine: 4 cups (950ml) cold water, 1/4 cup (55g) kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar, 1 tablespoon (10g) crushed black peppercorns, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) hot sauce.
Then, we've got the breading. You'll need 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch, 2 teaspoons (10g) smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder, 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5g) cayenne pepper( totally optional, if you want some spice), 1 teaspoon (5g) Salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper.
For the egg wash, grab 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or buttermilk. Finally, cooking spray!
If you're looking for the best air fryer chicken recipe , the quality of your chicken matters. Go for free range if you can, it makes a difference!
Seasoning Notes
Smoked paprika is key for that proper southern comfort food vibe. Don't skimp! If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of ground ginger in the breading adds a lovely warmth.
For a little heat, more cayenne pepper never hurts. Dried thyme is essential for that herbal, slightly earthy note we all know and love, but if you want to get a similar taste, try using marjoram or oregano.
Equipment Needed
Okay, obviously, you need a ninja air fryer . That's kinda the whole point, innit? Aside from that, grab a large bowl for brining, some shallow dishes for breading, and a meat thermometer.
Super important! You want your air fryer cooking times chicken to be spot-on, and the internal temp should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
No soggy, undercooked chicken here, thanks!
Oh, and don't worry if you don't have fancy breading dishes. Plates work just fine. Honestly, this healthy fried chicken recipe is more about the technique than having all the fancy gadgets.
It's all about getting that air fryer recipes magic to turn out perfectly every time.
Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken Crispy, Juicy, Southern Comfort!
Forget the deep fryer. You heard me! This recipe gets you all the crispy fried chicken air fryer experience, without the guilt.
I'm talking classic southern comfort food , healthier and easier thanks to your ninja air fryer . Seasoned chicken, perfectly crispy crust, and easy clean up.
Who knew healthy fried chicken recipe could be this simple? Even the Colonel might be impressed.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first. Let's get organised for the best air fryer chicken recipe !
Essential Mise en Place: Get your brine ingredients together. Then measure out all your dry breading stuff. Next, crack those eggs. Honestly, having everything ready saves a tonne of time!
Time Saving Organization Tips: Batch your tasks. Do all your measuring at once. Then, set up a breading station. This keeps things tidy. I learned this the hard way, trust me.
Safety Reminders: Chicken can be a pain! Make sure to fully submerge the chicken in the brine and always wash your hands and utensils.
step-by-step Ninja Air Fryer Fried Chicken Magic
Let's get cooking now! This ninja air fryer fried chicken is gonna be awesome.
- Brine Time : Mix your brine ingredients. Submerge the chicken for at least 2 hours , or up to 4 hours .
- Breading Prep : Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a dish. Another dish will have whisked eggs and milk.
- Breading Power : Pat the chicken dry . Dip in flour, then egg, then flour again. Really press that breading in.
- Air Fryer Action : Preheat your ninja air fryer to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spray the basket and chicken generously with cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken : Air fry for 12- 15 minutes . Flip, spray again. Cook another 12- 15 minutes . Look for that golden brown goodness.
- Temperature Check: Make sure that you use a meat thermometer! Check the internal temperature to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest & Serve : Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes . This keeps all those juices in! Serve up your air fryer chicken thighs and enjoy.
Pro Tips: Ninja Air Fryer Secrets
Want next level air fryer drumsticks recipe ? Here's my insider knowledge.
- Brine is King: Seriously, don't skip the brine. Juicy chicken is all about the brine.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don't cram too much chicken in the basket. Air fryer cooking times chicken will vary. Cook in batches if needed.
- make-ahead Magic : Bread the chicken ahead of time. Pop it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
Honestly, this ninja air fryer recipes chicken is going to become your new favorite thing. Quick, easy, and damn delicious. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Ninja Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken
Right then, let's talk nitty gritty. We've got this best air fryer chicken recipe sorted. But, like anything in life, a little extra thought makes all the difference.
Consider this section your secret weapon for truly smashing this ninja air fryer fried chicken out of the park! Honestly, it’s all about those little things, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Plating matters. Think about it: We eat with our eyes first, you know? Stack that crispy fried chicken air fryer high! A bit of chopped parsley.
Maybe a lemon wedge. Boom! Instant restaurant vibes, right there in your gaff.
As for sides, you can't go wrong with the classics. Coleslaw is your friend. Think creamy, tangy goodness. Southern comfort food isn't complete without it, yeah? Mashed potatoes? Obviously.
And don’t forget drinks! A proper sweet tea is divine, but maybe something fizzy for the kids!.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Okay, so you've made your amazing ninja air fryer recipes chicken . Now what? Fridge is your best bet, obviously. Pop it in an airtight container.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the ninja air fryer for that crispy texture.
Freezing works too! Though the crust might lose a bit of its initial crispiness . Still delicious, though. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer .
About 10 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C). Check air fryer cooking times chicken , it's vital for food safety! Make sure it’s piping hot.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit!
Fancy a change? Let's do it! Air fryer chicken thighs are epic. They stay so juicy! Swap the chicken breasts for thighs, easy peasy! The air fryer drumsticks recipe is also really popular.
They crisp up like mad.
Got someone who's gluten-free? No sweat! Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. Sorted! Want to keep it dairy-free? Almond milk in the egg wash works a treat!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Healthy fried chicken recipe ? Well, relatively! Using the ninja air fryer cuts down on loads of oil. So, less fat, which is a win! Each serving has roughly 650 calories.
There’s about 45 grams of protein. This helps keep you full. Just saying, air fryer cooking isn’t just tasty. It's a smart choice too.
So there you have it! All the little nuggets of wisdom. Get out there and make some cracking ninja air fryer fried chicken . You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get that "fried" taste without all the oil using my Ninja Air Fryer?
Absolutely! The beauty of the Ninja Air Fryer is that it circulates hot air around the food, mimicking the effect of deep frying but using significantly less oil. Generously spraying the chicken with cooking spray is key to achieving that crispy, golden brown crust we all crave, without the guilt.
Think of it as having your cake (or chicken!) and eating it too.
Do I really need to brine the chicken before air frying? It seems like an extra step.
While you could skip the brining, trust us, it's a game changer! Brining infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor, ensuring a juicy, tender result every time. It also helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the meat. It's the secret ingredient your grandma would definitely approve of!
My Ninja Air Fryer is smaller. Can I still make this "fried" chicken recipe?
Yes, but you'll definitely need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying, and nobody wants soggy chicken! Make sure to preheat your Ninja Air Fryer properly between batches, and spray each batch with cooking spray for optimal crispiness.
Think of it like queuing for the best spot at Wimbledon - patience pays off!
How do I store leftover Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it back into the Ninja Air Fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp it up again. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the crust soggy.
No one wants a repeat of the soggy biscuit incident of '97.
Can I use different seasonings in the breading for the Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for experimenting with flavors. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breading. A little chili powder, oregano, or even a touch of curry powder can add a unique twist. Get creative and make it your own signature "fried" chicken!
It's like putting your own spin on a classic Beatles tune go for it!
Is this Ninja Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken recipe healthy?
Compared to traditional deep fried chicken, this version is significantly healthier, as it uses far less oil. While it's still not exactly a salad, it's a much better option for those looking to enjoy fried chicken without the added fat and calories.
Consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal. Everything in moderation, right?
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Crispy Juicy Southern Co
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
