This article will guide you through the simple and delicious process of cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer. If you are looking for a quick and convenient way to make crispy and flavorful chicken, then the air fryer is your perfect kitchen companion. With its hot air circulation technology, it ensures that your chicken is evenly cooked, while also reducing the amount of oil needed.
To cook shake and bake chicken in an air fryer, you will need a few ingredients: chicken pieces, shake and bake coating mix, and cooking spray. You can use any type of chicken pieces you prefer, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. The shake and bake coating mix can be found in most grocery stores and comes in various flavors, such as original, barbecue, or spicy. The cooking spray will help to ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket.
To start, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for chicken. This is usually around 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, pour the shake and bake coating mix into a shallow dish. Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the coating mix, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Once coated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
Next, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. This will help to give it a golden and crispy texture. Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the chicken for the recommended time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, but it usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken. Serve your shake and bake chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your homemade crispy and delicious chicken, made effortlessly in the air fryer!
Step-by-step guide to cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make crispy shake and bake chicken, using an air fryer is the perfect solution. The air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy texture without all the oil and grease of traditional frying. Follow this step-by-step guide to cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer and enjoy a delicious and healthier meal.
Ingredients:
3-4 chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breasts) |
1 cup of shake and bake coating mix |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better.
Step 3: Place the shake and bake coating mix in a shallow dish or plate.
Step 4: Coat the chicken pieces with the shake and bake coating mix, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Press the coating mix onto the chicken to make it stick better.
Step 5: Shake off any excess coating mix and place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece for proper air circulation.
Step 6: Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy on all sides.
Step 7: Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) for poultry to be safely cooked.
Step 8: Once the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
Step 9: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 10: Serve the crispy shake and bake chicken with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Now you know how to cook shake and bake chicken in an air fryer. Enjoy your crispy and delicious meal with less guilt!
Choosing the right chicken and shake and bake mixture
When cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer, it is important to start with the right chicken and shake and bake mixture. There are a few factors to consider when selecting your chicken and shake and bake mixture.
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken pieces for this recipe. Chicken breasts or chicken tenders work well, as they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
- Shake and Bake Mixture: Look for a shake and bake mixture that is specifically formulated for air fryer cooking or one that is suitable for baking. You can find these mixtures in the seasoning aisle of your local grocery store. Some shake and bake mixtures come with a crispy coating, while others have a more seasoned flavor.
- Personal Preference: Consider your personal taste preference when choosing a shake and bake mixture. If you enjoy a spicier flavor, look for a mixture with added spices and kick. For a milder taste, opt for a more traditional shake and bake mixture.
By choosing the right chicken and shake and bake mixture, you can ensure delicious and flavorful shake and bake chicken cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
Preparing the chicken for cooking
Before you can start cooking shake and bake chicken in the air fryer, you need to properly prepare the chicken. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Start by selecting fresh, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is not frozen.
2. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry using paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the shake and bake coating mix with your choice of seasonings. You can use the original flavor or experiment with different flavors to suit your taste preferences.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the coating mix, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Press the coating mix onto the chicken to help it adhere.
5. Once coated, place the chicken on a plate or wire rack to allow any excess coating mix to fall off. This step is important to prevent the coating from becoming too thick or clumpy.
6. As you finish coating each piece of chicken, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.
Now that your chicken is properly prepared, you are ready to start cooking it in the air fryer. Follow the next steps in the recipe to achieve crispy and delicious shake and bake chicken.
Coating the chicken with shake and bake mixture
To achieve a crispy and flavorful coating on your chicken, you will need to properly coat it with the shake and bake mixture. This will give your chicken a delicious and crunchy outer layer that pairs perfectly with the moist and tender meat inside.
Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. While it’s heating up, take out your chicken pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the shake and bake mixture stick to the chicken better.
Next, pour the shake and bake mixture onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. If you don’t have shake and bake, you can make your own mixture by combining breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs.
Take one piece of chicken at a time and dip it into the shake and bake mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. You can use your hands or a fork to press the mixture onto the chicken if needed.
Once the chicken is fully coated, place it into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming crispy.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer according to the recommended time and temperature for your specific chicken pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the coating set and remain crispy.
Now you have perfectly coated shake and bake chicken cooked in the air fryer! Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside some tasty sides for a delicious and convenient meal.
Cooking the chicken in the air fryer
To cook shake and bake chicken in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Take the chicken pieces and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the shake and bake mix with any additional seasonings or spices you prefer. Place one piece of chicken at a time into the bowl or bag and shake until evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook in the air fryer
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve
Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious shake and bake chicken!
For best results, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior.
Time | Temperature | Internal Temperature |
---|---|---|
15-20 minutes | 375°F (190°C) | 165°F (75°C) |
FAQ
How long does it take to cook shake and bake chicken in an air fryer?
It usually takes around 20-25 minutes to cook shake and bake chicken in an air fryer.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to when cooking shake and bake chicken?
The recommended temperature for cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C).
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking shake and bake chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking shake and bake chicken. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Can I use homemade shake and bake mix instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade shake and bake mix for your chicken in an air fryer. Just make sure to coat the chicken well with the homemade mix before cooking.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken drumsticks for shake and bake chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken drumsticks for shake and bake chicken in an air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken breasts may cook faster.
What is shake and bake chicken?
Shake and bake chicken is a crispy breaded chicken dish that is usually made by coating chicken pieces with a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. It is then baked or fried until golden and crispy.