The Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Crispy Juicy and Ready in Minutes

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of The Best Air Fryer Chicken ? Ever wondered how to get proper crispy chicken without the faff of deep frying? I'm talking that proper pub-style chicken but made dead easy at home.

The Best Air Fryer Chicken: Pub Grub Made Easy

Honestly, this recipe is my go-to when I'm craving proper comfort food. It’s based on my time grafting in a busy London boozer, serving up top-notch pub fare.

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is proper simple but delivers cracking flavour.

This recipe is proper tasty and easy to make! This isn't just any chicken recipe. This is Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe at its finest.

Forget soggy chicken, this is all about the crunch.

What’s the Story?

This recipe comes from my days cheffing in a proper London pub, serving up great pub grub. It's a simple dish, perfect for a beginner.

Prep time is 15 minutes, plus marinating. Cook time is about 20- 25 minutes. This recipe serves 4.

Why This Chicken Rocks

The best bit? This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken is way healthier than traditional fried chicken. And it’s ridiculously easy to make.

Serve it up on a busy weeknight or even as part of a Sunday roast (minus the roasting, obviously!). What makes this recipe the bees knees? The spice rub.

It's the key to that proper pub-style flavour.

Now, onto the good stuff: the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk ingredients. We're making The Best Air Fryer Chicken , so we need to get this right! You know, quality in, quality out, as my Nan always said.

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe isn't about fancy ingredients. It's about making the most of simple ones.

The Star Players

• Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Legs or thighs are lush. That's about 800g for those of you who like metric, or 2 lbs in old money.

  Go for chicken that looks pink and plump. Avoid anything that's looking a bit grey or slimy. It's gotta be fresh, yeah? Fresh chicken will make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken !

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon will do the trick.

Spice Up Your Life

Now for the fun bit! We're making a banging spice rub.

• Paprika: 2 tablespoons - Gives it that lovely colour and a bit of smokiness.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon - Essential!
• Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon - Don't skip this one.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon - Adds a bit of that classic Pub Style Air Fryer Chicken flavour.
• Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon - Another must for that proper roast chicken vibe.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) - For a cheeky kick!
• Salt: 1 teaspoon - To bring out all those flavours.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon - Gotta have it!

Honestly, you can't go wrong with this combo. If you're missing an ingredient, don't stress. A bit of mixed herbs will do in a pinch. Smoked paprika will elevate it too.

Gear You'll Need

Don't need fancy bits, just some simple bits.

• The Air Fryer : Obvious, innit? I reckon The Best Air Fryer is the one you already own!
• A large mixing bowl.
• A small mixing bowl.
• A meat thermometer. Crucial for safety.

That's it! No need for a load of fancy equipment. Let's crack on with this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Dinner ! You will be amazed how good this Air Fryer Fried Chicken is! Also, if you have Air Fryer Chicken Legs or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs , it would be great.

Right, let's get stuck in, shall we? Today, we're making " The Best Air Fryer Chicken " you've ever tasted! I'm talking proper Pub Style Air Fryer Chicken , the kind that makes you want to neck a pint and shout "Oi!" This ain't just some dry, boring bird.

We're going for crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken perfection. Honestly, my mouth's watering just thinking about it.

Prep Steps

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, get organised. We're doing the full mise en place, because nobody wants to be scrambling for spices halfway through.

Grab your 800g (or around 2 lbs ) of chicken pieces legs, thighs, whatever tickles your fancy. Next, measure out all your spices.

It's all about making it easy, innit?

Time Saving Organisation Tips

While you're at it, get your spice rub ready. Mix 2 tablespoons paprika (30ml) , 1 tablespoon garlic powder (15ml) , 1 tablespoon onion powder (15ml) , 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5ml) , 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (5ml) , ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (2.

5ml) , 1 teaspoon salt (5ml) , and ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5ml) in a small bowl. Give it a good mix and boom, you’re done.

Safety Reminders

Wash your hands! Raw chicken is a mucky bugger, so make sure you're clean as a whistle to avoid any dodgy tummies.

step-by-step Process

Let's Get Cooking: Getting started with your Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Alright, let's get this show on the road!

1. Pat the chicken dry, really dry! This is KEY to getting that ultra crispy skin we're after. You know, like, really dry.
2. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) . Then, chuck in that gorgeous spice rub and make sure every nook and cranny is covered. Get in there!
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes , but up to 2 hours is even better. Trust me, the longer it sits, the more flavour you get. Don't skip the marinating step! Even a short rest of 30 mins helps.
4. Preheat your the best air fryer to 380° F ( 190° C) . Don't skip this step. It's essential for even cooking.
5. Air fry the chicken for 10- 12 minutes , then flip and cook for another 10- 13 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer, yeah?
6. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This is important for the juiciness, mate. Don't rush it.
7. Give it a Shake: Half way through, give your air fryer basket a shake to ensure even cooking.
8. Serve it up.

Pro Tips

Expert Techniques for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer! Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and will result in steamed, not crispy, chicken. Work in batches.

Common Mistakes

• Not patting the chicken dry enough. I can't stress this enough! Dry chicken = crispy chicken.

make-ahead Options

• You can prepare the spice rub a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Recipe Notes for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Ever!

Right, so you're about to make The Best Air Fryer Chicken ! Honestly, even I was surprised at how easy it is.

Here are some extra bits and bobs to make sure you nail it. It's pretty simple but even The Best Air Fryer needs a little help.

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fancy a bit of posh nosh? Or just a decent dinner? For plating, I like a simple approach. A sprig of rosemary, maybe a lemon wedge. Bang it on a plate.

For sides, think proper pub grub. Chips (fries for the Americans!), mushy peas, or even a creamy coleslaw are amazing with this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken .

And don’t forget a pint of your favourite ale! Peroni anyone? Honestly, that is the full Pub Style Air Fryer Chicken experience.

Top-Notch Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Wrap that Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in cling film or pop them into a container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Sorted.

Freezing works too! Wrap well to avoid freezer burn. To reheat, chuck it back in the air fryer at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Make sure the crispy air fryer chicken recipe is piping hot.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to add a twist? Go spicy! A pinch of cayenne pepper in the rub will give it a kick.

Or try a lemon herb version. Lemon zest and fresh parsley make it sing. I used it sometimes to make Air Fryer Chicken Legs

For those watching their diet, cut back on the oil, don't use any actually! The chicken skin has enough fat to become really crispy.

I would recommend that adaptation to the Best Air Fryer Chicken .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!

Okay, so I’m no nutritionist. But roughly, each serving is about 450 calories. It is packed with protein, but keep an eye on the salt.

Remember, this is an estimate so don't quote me on it.

This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Dinner recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy. Think about it, less fat than proper fried chicken.

Honestly, this is one of my favourite Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe . It’s easy, quick, and tastes amazing. Now, go on, give it a go! You won't be sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure "The Best Air Fryer Chicken" is actually crispy? I'm tired of soggy chicken!

Crispy chicken is all about removing moisture! Patting the chicken skin completely dry with paper towels before seasoning is absolutely crucial. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.

Think of it like a packed tube carriage at rush hour not much room for things to breathe!

How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer, and how do I know when it's done?

Cooking time usually ranges from 20-25 minutes at 380°F (190°C), but this depends on the size and type of chicken pieces. The only way to guarantee perfectly cooked and safe chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.

It's done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). No one wants a bout of the trots, so invest in a thermometer!

Can I use different cuts of chicken for "The Best Air Fryer Chicken", or does it only work with legs and thighs?

You can definitely experiment with other cuts! Chicken breasts work well, but you'll need to reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, depending on their thickness. Wings are also fantastic in the air fryer and cook up even quicker!

Just keep an eye on the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly - no raw chicken roulette, please!

How should I store leftover air fryer chicken?

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin, or enjoy it cold in a salad or sandwich.

Just don't leave it lingering in the fridge for longer, or you might end up with a right old science experiment!

What are some tasty variations I can try with "The Best Air Fryer Chicken" recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding some cayenne pepper or your favourite hot sauce to the spice rub for a spicy kick. Or, swap the dried herbs for lemon zest and fresh parsley for a bright, lemony flavor. Get creative! You could even try a peri peri style marinade for something a bit Nando's-esque.

Is air fryer chicken healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Air frying is generally considered a healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses significantly less oil. Our recipe for "The Best Air Fryer Chicken" is a good source of protein and lower in fat compared to traditional fried chicken.

Just remember that nutritional values vary depending on the size and type of chicken used, and the addition of any extra sauces or sides, so get your numbers right.