master-cooks | Make Your Air Fryer Panko Chicken Taste Deep Fried With One Extra Step

Achieving that deep-fried texture and flavor with panko-crusted chicken in an air fryer can be a challenge, but incorporating one extra step can make all the difference. Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least an hour. This not only tenderizes the meat but also provides a flavorful base. After marinating, dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. The crucial step is to let the flour-coated chicken rest for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding. This resting period allows the flour to absorb moisture from the buttermilk, forming a sticky paste that helps the panko adhere better. Once rested, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to ensure an even layer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, then lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil spray. This not only helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior but also prevents the chicken from drying out while cooking. Cook the chicken in the air fryer, flipping halfway through, until it reaches the desired crispiness. This extra step of resting the flour-coated chicken results in a texture that rivals traditionally deep-fried chicken.

Use breading to dredge your chicken before spraying with oil

Because of the porous design of air fryer baskets, they are not suitable for cooking foods that are coated in liquid. This can be a challenge when trying to achieve the ideal fried chicken with a runny batter. Instead, Senior Demo Chef Rachel Buck suggests using a straightforward breading technique that involves flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs, which will create a dredged coating. This mixture will adhere well, and since air fryers have less movement, you won’t have to worry as much about the coating coming off. For an added twist, she recommends mixing in some grated parmesan cheese with the panko for extra flavor and crunch.

After applying the panko breading to the chicken, the next step is to spray it with oil. This step greatly improves the texture, giving it a more fried feel and enhancing its color. Buck advises flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. Additionally, avoid the common mistake of overcooking chicken in the air fryer, and you’ll end up with a delicious batch of air-fried chicken.

Make Your Air Fryer Panko Chicken Taste Deep Fried With One Extra Step

Use breading to dredge your chicken before spraying with oil

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