Quick Answer
It is not strictly necessary to coat chicken with oil before air frying, but doing so can help promote browning, enhance flavor, and prevent sticking. A light coating of oil or cooking spray is usually sufficient. Alternatively, you can brush or toss the chicken with a fat-based sauce or marinade to achieve similar results.
Does Chicken Need Oil for Air Frying?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speed to produce a crispy exterior through maillard reactions. Unlike deep frying, no oil is required for the air frying process itself. However, coating chicken with a thin layer of oil prior to air frying can provide some benefits:
- Promotes browning and crisping of the skin
- Enhances flavor as oil helps Maillard reactions occur
- Prevents sticking to the air fryer basket
- Adds richness and moisture
Without any oil, chicken may cook unevenly and have a tendency to stick. The natural fats in chicken skin will still render and baste the meat, but pre-coating ensures good contact with the hot air.
How Much Oil is Needed?
You only need a very light coating of oil for air frying. Recommended amounts per pound of chicken include:
- 1-2 tsp neutral vegetable/avocado oil
- 1-2 tsp melted butter or ghee
- 1-2 tbsp Olive oil
Or simply spritz lightly with cooking spray to coat. Excess oil will result in a greasy finish. To add richer flavor, brush chicken with oil-based marinades, herb butters, or drizzle with vinaigrettes before cooking.
How to Coat Chicken for Air Frying
Here are some easy methods to lightly coat chicken with oil:
Spray with Cooking Spray
Spritz chicken pieces, wings, tenders, etc thoroughly with canola or olive oil non-stick spray. This evenly and lightly coats with a controlled amount of oil.
Toss in Oil
Place chicken parts in a bowl with oil, seasonings, and toss until evenly coated. Use tongs to transfer chicken to the air fryer basket.
Brush with Oil or Sauce
Use a basting brush or spoon to gently brush chicken with melted butter, olive oil, barbecue sauce or other oil-based sauces. Control the amount for a light coating.
Marinate in Fat-Based Sauces
Letting chicken marinate in oil-based sauces like vinaigrettes, pesto, or ranch dressing before air frying infuses it with lots of flavor and coats it with oil.
Season and Dredge
Season chicken all over then dredge in a small amount of flour or cornstarch to evenly coat the outside and promote crisping. Shake off any excess before air frying.
Best Oils for Air Frying
The oil you choose can impact flavor and smoke point:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refined Avocado Oil | 520°F | Neutral, clean taste |
| Ghee | 485°F | Nutty, rich |
| Olive Oil | 374°F | Fruity, peppery |
| Coconut Oil | 350°F | Sweet, tropical |
For general purpose frying, refined avocado and vegetable oil have the highest smoke points. Lower smoke point oils like olive oil impart more flavor but are better for shorter cooking times.
Tips for Crispy Air Fried Chicken
Follow these tips for maximizing the crispiness of your air fried chicken:
- Pat chicken dry before coating – drier surface crisps up better
- Use smaller pieces for more surface area
- Preheat air fryer before adding food
- Flip chicken halfway during cooking
- Brush with oil/sauce towards the end if not crisp enough
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Air frying makes chicken wonderfully crispy and juicy in a quick and easy way with minimal oil needed.
Conclusion
While not absolutely necessary, lightly coating chicken in oil prior to air frying helps promote crisping, browning, and flavor development. A brush, spray, or toss with just 1-2 teaspoons of oil per pound is sufficient. Refined oils have higher smoke points but olive oil adds great flavor. Follow proper air frying techniques for best results. With just a small amount of oil, you can enjoy deliciously crispy and juicy chicken wings, tenders, thighs, and more.