Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading (Optional)
- Mix the Breading:
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken:
- If you choose to bread the chicken, remove each piece from the marinade and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Arrange Chicken:
- Place the marinated (and optionally breaded) chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry:
- Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Step 5: Serve
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve:
- Serve the air-fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as a salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
- Uniform Pieces: Ensure chicken pieces are of uniform thickness to cook evenly. Pound thicker parts if necessary.
- Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure each piece gets crispy.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs in the marinade and breading to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 300-350 (varies based on the cut of chicken and if breading is used)
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g (if breading is used)
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the excess oil of traditional frying methods. This recipe provides a versatile base that can be customized with your favorite spices and served with a variety of sides. Whether you choose to bread the chicken or enjoy it marinated, air fryer chicken is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the juicy, crispy deliciousness in every bite!