Air fried battered chicken is a favorite in many homes. It’s loved for being easy to make and surprisingly simple to prepare. Traditional fried chicken often comes with a lot of fat and calories, so this lighter version uses an air fryer to cut down on oil while still delivering a satisfying punch of flavor. The article shares a straightforward method to prepare this dish in a healthier way.
Air Fryer Battered Chicken Recipe
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4 chicken breasts cut into strips
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1 cup flour
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2 scrambled eggs
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Seasonings to taste such as cayenne pepper and garlic powder
What to know before buying an air fryer
Before choosing an air fryer, it helps to understand its advantages and limitations. While air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, not all models cook the same way. Some may heat unevenly, and basket size matters for larger meals. Reading user reviews and checking wattage can help buyers pick a unit that fits their kitchen and cooking style. This context helps ensure the purchase supports easy, consistent results for battered chicken and other favorite foods.
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Preheat the fryer to 200 degrees Celsius.
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Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and other preferred seasonings.
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Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with scrambled eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs.
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Dip each chicken strip first in flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating at each stage.
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Lay the coated strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the fryer’s capacity, cooking may need to be done in batches.
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Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning once when halfway through, until the coating is golden and crispy.
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Remove the strips and let them rest a few minutes before serving.
Benefits of cooking battered chicken in an air fryer rather than in a pan
The main benefit of air frying battered chicken is that it uses much less oil than traditional pan frying. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crisp exterior that resembles fried chicken while using far less oil. The result is a plate with fewer calories and less fat than batter-fried chicken cooked in a pan. This method can also yield a texture that is satisfyingly crisp without the heavy oil load.
In addition, air frying can be easier and less messy than stirring and deep frying. There’s less monitoring required during the cooking process, and oil splatter is minimized, making cleanup simpler and safer for home cooks.
What happens if someone eats chicken every day?
Regular chicken consumption can fit into a balanced diet for most people, especially when paired with varied vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Moderation and portion control matter, as does preparation method. Choosing air-fried or baked options over deep-fried versions can help reduce overall fat intake while still providing high-quality protein.
Chicken nutrition characteristics
Chicken is a high-quality protein source that supports tissue growth and repair. It also supplies important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium. The final nutritional profile of a dish depends on the dough and the amount of oil used in cooking. Using lighter coating and air frying can further impact the fat content and calorie count, making it easier to enjoy chicken as part of a healthier eating plan. [citation: nutrition sources]