What To Know
- Combine water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl and submerge the chicken pieces for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Craving the mouthwatering flavors of Southern fried chicken but without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further than your air fryer! This revolutionary kitchen appliance has made it possible to enjoy crispy, juicy fried chicken with minimal oil and effort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to cook Southern fried chicken in air fryer, ensuring that you achieve perfect results every time.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer
The first step to air fryer success is selecting the right appliance. Look for an air fryer with a large enough capacity to accommodate your desired amount of chicken. Additionally, consider features such as adjustable temperature settings, a timer, and a non-stick basket for easy cleanup.
Preparing the Chicken
To ensure a flavorful and crispy exterior, it’s essential to brine the chicken. Combine water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl and submerge the chicken pieces for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This step helps tenderize the chicken and enhances its flavor.
Seasoning the Chicken
After brining, it’s time to season the chicken. For classic Southern fried chicken, use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices together and generously coat the chicken pieces.
Coating the Chicken
The secret to achieving a crispy exterior lies in the coating. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and additional seasonings of your choice. Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Air Frying the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Flipping the Chicken
Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the chicken pieces to ensure even browning. This step prevents burning and promotes a golden-brown exterior.
Serving the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or coleslaw.
Tips for the Crispiest Southern Fried Chicken
- Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for the coating. Cornstarch helps create a crispier exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in soggy chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket.
- Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This promotes even browning and prevents burning.
- Let the chicken rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Variations on Southern Fried Chicken
- Spicy Southern Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken: Use buttermilk instead of water for the brine for a tangy and flavorful twist.
- Honey Garlic Southern Fried Chicken: Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and garlic sauce before air frying for a sweet and savory combination.
Summary: Elevate Your Fried Chicken Game
With these step-by-step instructions and our expert tips, you can now master the art of how to cook Southern fried chicken in air fryer. Enjoy crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that rivals the best Southern kitchens, all without the added calories and mess of deep-frying. Experiment with different seasonings and variations to find your perfect fried chicken recipe.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the best way to brine chicken for air fryer fried chicken?
A: Combine water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl and submerge the chicken pieces for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This step tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
Q: What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
A: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking results.
Q: How long do I cook Southern fried chicken in air fryer?
A: Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Q: How do I achieve the crispiest Southern fried chicken in air fryer?
A: Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for the coating, preheat your air fryer, and flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
Q: Can I use other seasonings besides the classic Southern fried chicken spices?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings and variations to create your own unique fried chicken flavors.
