Air fryers have become a popular way to enjoy a crunchy crust without the calories, but those who have found they also need to cut down on their carbohydrates might feel they should pack away this convenient tool. If tender and juicy chicken cooked fast is part of a dietary regimen, the air fryer can be a big help. No crust is necessary for making naked baked chicken in this fryer, and it can be as delicious as it is healthy by taking a few steps that will produce food worth eating without the waiting.
Choosing the chicken
Size matters when it comes to how long each piece of meat needs to cook, and it can be even more important in an air fryer. Quick cooking is the goal here, so it will pay off handsomely to make sure when choosing the chicken that all the pieces are approximately the same size. Using the package weight and dividing by the number of breasts will give the weight needed for cooking time. Consult the manual for this measurement, and remember to cut the time in half so the meat can be turned during cooking.
Sublime seasoning
Baked chicken has the advantage when it comes to taste because adding flavor is part of the cooking, so choosing favorite spices is no bar here. It would be best to add a bit of cooking spray to the chicken first to prevent sticking, but adding a choice of sublime seasoning to enhance the flavor is the way to go for complete enjoyment of this quick meal. Season the smooth side first, then place it face down in the cooking basket. Repeat the process with the other side, and the chicken will be ready to air fry.
Timing is everything
When cooking any food, timing is everything for getting it just right. Letting it heat too long will dry out the food, and under-cooking is just not something that should be considered. Make sure the timer on the fryer is accurate, or use another timing instrument to make sure the correct amount of time is used for the best results.
Time to flip
It is important to remember that an air fryer uses hot temperatures to cook food, so grab the tongs when the cooking is halfway done. It is time to flip the food, but avoiding burns is a good way to make the meal more enjoyable. Reset the timer for the second half of the cooking, and then it will be time to get ready for some juicy, enjoyable eating.
Carry-over cooking
When any food is heated, it can have carry-over cooking time. The heat will continue as long as the food is within the hot vessel, so take the chicken out as soon as the timer goes off. A meat thermometer should be used to measure the internal temperature, and removing the food with tongs is recommended. Carry-over cooking will last for only a few minutes once the chicken is removed, and it takes only about five minutes before the juices have redistributed throughout the meat. It is then time to set it on a plate and add the rest of the meal.
Cooking with an air fryer can be a great way to get fast food that is crunchy and tasty, but it can also be used to bake when dietary needs mean avoiding more than just calories. Most people have their favorite seasoning for baked chicken, or checking online for new recipes could be a great way to explore this wonderful new way to create healthy meals without the wait.
