Cooking at home is my favorite hobby, but some nights I only have so much time or energy to put into my food.
My air fryer, though, is my favorite kitchen gadget for quick, healthy, delicious meals – and the best air-fried food has to be chicken.
Everyone knows that air fryers make some super-crispy chicken. Everyone also knows that air-fried chicken is super juicy.
I’m going to share some of my favorite recipes here. They’ll make ordinary dinner awesome forever.
Let’s do it!
The 10 Best air fryer chicken recipes
1. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
These are the wings I whip up when I feel the need for crisp and spicy. The formula goes like this: fresh chicken wings, fried up hot and slathered in a mush of melted butter and hot sauce.
A pinch of garlic powder and a dusting of paprika don’t hurt either. I often add honey for a hit of sweetness, which helps to offset the spice.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Add the wings to a bowl, and sprinkle with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat.
3. Spread out the wings in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 25-30 minutes flipping the wings about halfway through the cooking time.
4. Meanwhile, drizzle the buffalo sauce and melted butter into a bowl and mix.
5. Once the wings are crispy and cooked, toss them into the buffalo sauce mix and coat them well.
6. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, if desired.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re tired of eating out and want to have delicious and healthier meals at home, then you have to try out these crispy and juicy tenders. I use panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder and smoked paprika to give it an amazing crunch and taste and a little olive oil to give it a nice golden-brown exterior.
Oh-my-god, it’s drool-worthy.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another small bowl, beat the eggs.
4. Dip each tenderloin in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Continue with all the tenderloins.
5. Lay the coated chicken strips (tenders) as single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with some olive oil.
6. Air fry 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
If you could conjure up a quick meal that’s both delicious and dietitian-approved, what would you create? If I were in charge, I would always whisk up some juicy lemon garlic chicken thighs – a zesty blast of fresh lemon juice and crushed garlic cloves, a glossy sheen from a bit of olive oil, and a hint of paprika for pizzazz.
It smells amazing when the air fryer goes off and the clove of garlic and lemon release their aroma, all permeating a moment of perfect simple goodness that is as tasty as it is easy to enjoy.
If I could conjure up an ideal day, it would involve one that is far from complicated, with only the basics to worry about. Like this recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt and black pepper in a large bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavours to penetrate.
3. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat. Spray the basket of the air fryer with some cooking spray or a tiny amount of oil.
4. Put the marinated chicken thighs in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping.
5. Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Take the chicken thighs out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Bon appetit and enjoy your succulent Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs!
4. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
When I feel hungry and want to prepare a quick and tasty meal, I immediately think of air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks as my go-to idea. To cook them, I use only three ingredients: my favorite BBQ sauce, a bit of honey for the sweet add-on and smoked paprika for the meaty flavors.
I think these elements together create an incredible dish.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, olive oil.
4. Toss the drumsticks in the bowl until coated.
4. Toss the drumsticks in the bowl until coated.
4. Toss the drumsticks in the bowl until coated.
5. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket so that they are in a single layer (not touching each other).
6. Air fry for 20 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time.
7. Brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce and fry for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is crispy and caramelised.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
5. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This recipe came about when I wanted to enjoy a healthy and classic Italian dish, so I could enjoy it more often. It is perfect for a quick and filling weeknight dinner.
You’ll need: chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Plate it up and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). 2 Beat the chicken breasts flat with a mallet, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Line up three shallow bowls for your breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
4. Dredge the chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten egg and roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Coat the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Spoon the chicken breasts with the marinara sauce and the cheese; then cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melting and bubbling.
6. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
I feel that the easiest and most delicious cooking option for the air fryer is teriyaki chicken. The marinade is really the star.
I always use soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. I usually throw a splash of lemon juice and some sesame oil in mine for a little zing.
It always comes out perfectly cooked in the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic and grated ginger in a bowl.
2. Put the chicken thighs in the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate at least 30 minutes.
3. Start at 380°F (190°C) and preheat the air fryer. Place marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in one layer.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Meanwhile, as the chicken is cooking, whisk together cornstarch dissolved in water to make a slurry.
6. Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and thicken it by adding the cornstarch slurry. Heat until sauce is thickened to a desired consistency.
7. When the chicken is cooked, brush on the thickened teriyaki sauce, sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds, and serve.
8. Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Oh, I am in heaven!!! There is no easier and more yummy food than crispy chicken nuggets.
And my air fryer makes them so crispy and golden! I love to use my favorite ingredients for this one, tenders from chicken breast, a spicy mixture of breadcrumbs with Parmesan, some paprika and a little touch of garlic powder is my secret ingredient to give it a little boost of flavor !!
Let’s get started !
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then dip again in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to coat.
4. Lay the breaded chicken fingers, separate but not stacked, in the air fryer basket.
5. Lightly spray the chicken nuggets with cooking spray to aid in crisping.
6. Cook 8-10 minutes turning halfway through, until nuggets are golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately.
9. Air Fryer Spicy Korean Chicken Wings
When I make them, I’ll often use a mix of Korean gochujang for the heat with soy sauce, some ginger and a pinch of honey. I think the effect is just really special and different..
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towel(s) and toss with oil from vegetables.
3. Combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger in a bowl and stir well.
4. Toss the chicken wings in the marinade until they are well-coated.
5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to flip the wings.
6. After cooking, toss the wings in sesame oil, and serve garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.
10. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
I know my recipe for air fryer chicken fajitas will change your life. Why?
Because it’s the perfect healthy weeknight meal and surprisingly delicious for being ready in less than 30 minutes. Peppers and chicken are spiced with my favorite blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic and onion, then topped with onions for some crunch and a squeeze of lime juice for tang.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Warm tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken slices, bell peppers, and red onion.
3. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and black pepper, then toss until well coated.
4. Then, place the spiced chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket so all the ingredients are in one layer. You might have to cook it in batches.
5. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Take out of the air fryer and squeeze over the lime juice, then serve with warm tortillas and toppings of your choice.