Are you tired of greasy fried chicken? Craving a healthier, quicker way to enjoy that crispy, juicy goodness? Then look no further! This Ninja Air Fryer Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time, with significantly less oil. It's a perfect weeknight dinner solution, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a fantastic addition to your next picnic. Get ready to experience the magic of air frying!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Prepare the Chicken:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This creates the flavorful coating for our delicious chicken.
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In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated. This helps the flour mixture adhere better and creates a wonderfully tender inside.
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Dredge each buttermilk-coated chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a nice, even coating. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
Air Fry the Chicken:
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Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary for optimal crisping.
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Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra juicy chicken.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Success:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
- Shake the basket halfway: This ensures even browning and crisping on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer model.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add some lemon zest and dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture.
- Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before air frying.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients and measurements. Generally, air fryer chicken is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, lower in fat and calories.
This Ninja Air Fryer Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. The crispy texture and juicy interior will have everyone asking for more! Enjoy!