Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to cook fried foods. The tower vortex air fryer is a type of air fryer that circulates hot air around food at high speeds, cooking it evenly without the need for oil. Chicken can be cooked perfectly in a tower vortex air fryer with just a few simple steps.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken in a Tower Vortex Air Fryer
There are several benefits to cooking chicken in a tower vortex air fryer compared to deep frying or oven baking:
- Uses up to 85% less oil than deep frying, resulting in healthier, less greasy chicken.
- Cooks food quickly and evenly due to rapid air circulation.
- Produces crispy chicken with a delicious fried texture without being greasy.
- Easy to use with minimal preparation and cleanup.
- Versatile for cooking a variety of cuts and pieces of chicken.
The tower design allows for maximum air circulation, resulting in quick and even cooking. The vortex air flow crisps up the outside of the chicken for that fried crunch.
Choosing Cuts of Chicken
Most cuts and pieces of chicken can be cooked in a tower vortex air fryer:
- Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless breasts work best. Pound them to an even thickness if thicker parts exist.
- Chicken thighs – bone-in or boneless, skin-on or off. Skin helps keep moisture in.
- Chicken drumsticks – small drumsticks may cook faster than larger ones.
- Chicken wings – great for making crispy wings with sauces.
- Chicken tenders – cook quickly and become perfectly crispy.
Smaller cuts like wings, tenders, and boneless breasts will cook faster than larger, thicker pieces. Adjust cook times accordingly.
Marinating and Seasoning Chicken
Marinating chicken before air frying will add extra flavor and moisture:
- Marinate chicken in Ziploc bags or a baking dish for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Try marinades like Greek yogurt, buttermilk, Italian dressing, teriyaki, or barbeque sauce.
- Spice rubs also add great flavor – think lemon pepper, Cajun, jerk, or garlic herb.
Be sure to pat chicken dry before air frying so the breading adheres. Seasonings can also be added before air frying:
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, etc.
- Spice blends like ranch, taco, or fajita seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, or panko breadcrumbs on top.
Breading and Battering Chicken
Breading or battering chicken before air frying makes it extra crispy:
- For breading, coat with flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
- Use panko or crushed crackers for super crispy results.
- For battering, coat with flour, then buttermilk or beer batter.
- Let sit 5-10 minutes before frying so breading adheres.
Spicy breading options include adding cajun seasoning or cayenne to flour. Herb breadcrumbs like oregano or basil are also delicious. Make sure to press the breading onto the chicken so it sticks.
Air Fryer Cooking Process
Follow these steps when cooking chicken in a tower vortex air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer at 370-400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat chicken dry and coat evenly in oil or nonstick spray.
- Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowded.
- Cook for recommended time, flipping chicken halfway through. Times will vary based on thickness and cut of chicken, starting with smaller pieces first. Refer to air fryer manual for specific timings.
- Check chicken is cooked through by taking internal temperature in thickest part with a meat thermometer (165 degrees F).
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
Shake the basket or flip chicken halfway during cooking for even browning. Add 3-5 minutes to cook time for frozen chicken. Remember to re-apply nonstick spray or oil before flipping.
| Cut of Chicken | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (8 oz) | 12-15 minutes |
| Chicken thighs (6-8 oz) | 16-20 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 18-22 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 15-18 minutes |
| Chicken tenders | 10-12 minutes |
Tips for Crispy Air Fried Chicken
To achieve the crispiest air fried chicken, follow these tips:
- Pat chicken pieces very dry before coating or breading.
- Allow breading to adhere by letting sit 5-10 minutes before air frying.
- Use smaller chicken pieces like wings, tenders or boneless breasts.
- Preheat air fryer properly before adding chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd – cook chicken in a single layer in the basket.
- Use full recommended cook times.
- Mist chicken with oil halfway through cooking when flipping pieces.
- Avoid opening the air fryer during the cooking process.
Crispy air fried chicken may not have the deep brown color of deep fried, but will be evenly golden and crunchy outside while juicy inside.
Serving and Sauces
Air fried chicken is great on its own, but also amazing when served with sauces and sides:
- Toss chicken wings or tenders in buffalo, bbq, ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or other thick sauces.
- Serve chicken breasts or thighs with gravy, marsala sauce, or roasted garlic aioli.
- Pair with traditional southern style sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese.
- For lower carb options, serve over a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Don’t forget to let your air fried chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting or serving for maximum juiciness. Air fried chicken reheats wonderfully, so save any leftovers.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer
It’s important to properly clean your tower vortex air fryer after cooking chicken:
- Unplug and allow oil and grease to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove basket and wash detachable parts in hot soapy water.
- Clean inside fryer body with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
- Avoid metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners which can damage nonstick coating.
- For stubborn grease, use baking soda and vinegar.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before re-assembling air fryer.
Deep clean the air fryer every few months by running an empty cycle at high heat to burn off residue. Refer to your specific model’s manual for additional cleaning recommendations.
Common Air Fryer Chicken Questions
What temperature should I cook chicken in an air fryer?
370-400 degrees F is ideal for air frying chicken. This high heat helps seal in juices and crisp up the outside.
How do you know when chicken is done in an air fryer?
Chicken is done when the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165 F. The outside should be crispy and golden brown.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, raw chicken can be cooked directly in an air fryer with no precooking needed. Pat chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.
Is air fried chicken healthy?
Air fried chicken uses little to no oil compared to deep frying, so it is a healthier option. It still contains the fat and calories from the chicken skin and breading though.
What cuts of chicken work best in an air fryer?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs, wings, drumsticks, and tenders all cook up crispy in an air fryer.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken in a tower vortex air fryer makes for tender, juicy meat with crispy, crunchy breading without all the excess oil and fat of deep frying. Prepping your chicken with marinades and seasonings, then breading and cooking at the right temperature will result in the perfect air fried chicken. Serve with your favorite sauces and sides for amazing flavor. With a bit of practice, you’ll be an expert at making healthful and delicious air fried chicken in your own home.