Perfectly Crispy: Air Fry Chicken in Convection Oven

To air fry chicken in a convection oven, preheat the oven to the desired temperature and place the chicken on the air fryer basket or tray. Brush with oil and season with desired spices before cooking for the recommended time.

Air frying chicken in a convection oven is a healthy and convenient alternative to traditional frying methods. Not only does it achieve the same crispiness and brown color, but the convection oven also reduces overall cook time by circulating hot air.

In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to air fry chicken in a convection oven, along with some tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and texture of your chicken. So, let’s get started and learn how to make perfectly air-fried chicken in a convection oven.

Credit: cravingtasty.com

Choose The Right Chicken Cut And Seasonings

Types Of Chicken Cuts Suitable For Air Frying In The Convection Oven

Air frying is known for its ability to crisp up food without deep frying, and chicken is no exception. Not all chicken cuts are suitable for air frying in a convection oven, so it’s essential to choose the right one to achieve the best result.

Here are some of the most suitable chicken cuts for air frying in a convection oven:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken tenders
• Chicken drumsticks
• Chicken breasts

These chicken cuts are ideal because they have enough fat content to create a crispy exterior while retaining their moistness in the center. Thicker cuts of chicken may require longer cooking times or higher temperatures, which can result in an overdone exterior and a dry interior.

Recommended Seasoning Options For Optimal Flavour And Texture

Seasoning is a crucial step in achieving the best flavor and texture when air frying chicken in a convection oven. There are various seasoning options, from dry rubs to marinades, that you can use to enhance the taste of your chicken.

Here are some recommended seasoning options you can use:

• Dry rubs: Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cumin to create a flavorful dry rub. Apply the seasoning all over the chicken surface for even distribution.
• Wet marinades: Marinating chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper can add flavor and moisture to the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
• Sauce: Add your favorite sauce, such as barbecue or buffalo sauce, after the chicken has cooked. The sauce will add extra flavor and texture to the chicken.

You can experiment with different seasonings to find the one that works best for you. However, be careful not to over-season your chicken, as it can overpower the natural flavor of the meat.

Marinating Vs Seasoning – Advantages And Disadvantages

Marinating and seasoning are two ways of adding flavor to your chicken before air frying. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to know which one to use for the best result.

Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of ingredients to tenderize the meat and add flavor. The advantage of marinating is that it can add moisture to the chicken, resulting in a juicy and flavorful result. However, marinating requires more time, at least 30 minutes to overnight, to let the flavors penetrate the chicken fully.

Seasoning, on the other hand, involves adding dry or wet seasoning directly to the chicken surface. The advantage of seasoning is that it’s easy and quick to do, and you can apply the seasoning just before air frying. However, seasoning does not add as much moisture to the chicken as marinating.

Both marinating and seasoning have their advantages and disadvantages, and it depends on your preference. If you have time, try marinating the chicken for optimum flavor and texture. But if you’re short on time, seasoning is a great alternative to add flavor to your chicken.

Preparing The Convection Oven For Air Frying

Understanding The Convection Oven And Its Temperature Settings

Before air frying chicken in a convection oven, it’s essential to understand its basic functions, including the temperature settings. Here’s what you need to know:

• A convection oven circulates hot air evenly throughout the cooking chamber, which cooks food faster and more uniformly than a traditional oven.
• The temperature settings on a convection oven are usually lower than a regular oven. Therefore, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct temperature and cooking time for your dish.
• Always preheat the oven before cooking your chicken. The preheating time may vary depending on your oven, so ensure to set the temperature to the required temperature and allow the oven to preheat for at least five minutes.

Recommended Rack Position For Air Frying Chicken

The correct rack position ensures even cooking of your chicken pieces. It also helps to avoid burning the chicken skin or drying out the meat.

• Position the wire rack in the middle of the convection oven, a few inches from the bottom. This position allows the hot air to circulate around and cook the chicken pieces evenly.
• Use a baking sheet or tray to catch any excess grease that may drip from the chicken.
• Avoid overcrowding the wire rack with chicken pieces since this may result in uneven cooking. Air should circulate freely around each chicken piece.

Preheating The Oven For Optimal Results

Preheating the convection oven is crucial in air frying chicken for optimal results. Here’s how to preheat your oven:

• Turn on the oven and set it to the recommended temperature for air frying chicken.
• Allow the oven to preheat for at least five minutes to ensure the temperature is steady and even before adding your chicken.
• Once preheated, open the oven door and place your chicken on the wire rack, ensuring no piece touches the other.

Preparing your convection oven correctly for air frying chicken is essential for achieving crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken. By following the above guidelines for position, preheating, and understanding temperature settings, you can achieve a perfectly cooked chicken every time.

 

Air Frying The Chicken

Air Frying The Chicken:

If you’re new to air frying chicken in a convection oven, it can seem a bit intimidating. But don’t worry; this guide will make it easy for you. Here, we’ll cover how to prepare the chicken, the best practices for placing it in the convection oven, the recommended cooking time and temperature for different chicken cuts, and tips for achieving maximum crispiness.

Preparing The Chicken For Air Frying:

The first step in air frying chicken in a convection oven is to prepare the chicken. Here’s what you need to do:

• First, wash the chicken pieces with cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Then, season the chicken with your preferred seasoning. You can use a dry rub, a wet marinade, or just salt and pepper.
• If you’re using a dry rub, coat the chicken liberally and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
• If you’re using a wet marinade, place the chicken in a ziploc bag with the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Best Practices For Placing Chicken In The Convection Oven:

The way you place the chicken in the convection oven can affect the outcome of your dish. Follow these best practices to ensure the best crispy chicken:

• Preheat the convection oven to 400°f for 5-10 minutes before placing the chicken.
• Place the seasoned chicken on a wire rack or a baking sheet that has been lined with cooking spray.
• Do not overcrowd the chicken. It’s recommended to leave some space around each piece to allow for even circulation of hot air.
• When placing the chicken in the oven, make sure that the skin side is facing up.

Recommended Cooking Time And Temperature For Different Chicken Cuts:

Different chicken cuts require different cooking times and temperatures. Here are the recommended cooking times and temperatures for different chicken cuts:

• Chicken drumsticks: 20-25 minutes at 400°f
• Chicken thighs: 25-30 minutes at 400°f
• Chicken wings: 18-20 minutes at 400°f
• Chicken breast: 20-25 minutes at 375°f

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal temperature should be 165°f.

Tips For Achieving Maximum Crispiness:

We all love crispy chicken, and air frying can help you achieve a crunchy crust. Here are some tips to help you get the best crispy chicken:

• Coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This will help to create an even crust.
• Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning it. This will allow the seasoning to stick to the chicken and create a crispy crust.
• Don’t open the oven door during the cooking process. This will prevent the hot air from circulating and can result in uneven cooking.
• After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.

Now that you know the basics of air frying chicken in a convection oven, it’s time to try it out for yourself. Follow these tips, and you’ll have crispy, delicious chicken in no time!

Serving And Storage

Air fry chicken, with its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, is a delicious dish to serve your family and friends. However, when it comes to serving and storing the dish, you may have some questions. In this section of the article, we will share the best ways to serve air fry chicken in the convection oven, how to store leftover chicken for later, and some reheating tips and tricks to make sure your chicken stays as delicious as the day you cooked it.

Best Ways To Serve Air Fry Chicken In The Convection Oven

• Consider serving air fry chicken with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or bbq sauce, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
• You can also serve air fry chicken with a side of veggies, such as roasted broccoli or brussels sprouts, to balance out the meal.
• Don’t forget to garnish the chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Storing Leftover Chicken For Later

• Once air fry chicken has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• To prevent the chicken from getting soggy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
• When reheating leftover chicken, make sure it’s heated all the way through. You can use the microwave, oven, or air fryer to reheat chicken.

Reheating Tips And Tricks

• To reheat air fry chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c), and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
• To reheat air fry chicken in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°f (175°c), and place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
• When reheating in the microwave, make sure to cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

By following these tips on serving, storing, and reheating air fry chicken in the convection oven, your dish will stay delicious and flavorful for days to come. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a quick and easy meal during the week, air fry chicken in the convection oven is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Air Fry Chicken In A Convection Oven

What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken In A Convection Oven?

Preheat the convection oven to 375°f. Place the seasoned chicken in the oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°f on an instant-read thermometer.

Can I Use Oil To Air Fry Chicken In A Convection Oven?

Yes, you can use a small amount of oil to air fry chicken in a convection oven. Spray a light coat of cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil on the chicken to help it get crispy.

How Long Does It Take To Air Fry Chicken In A Convection Oven?

Air fry chicken in a convection oven for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°f on an instant-read thermometer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Can I Use A Regular Oven To Air Fry Chicken?

You can air fry chicken in a regular oven using the convection setting. Make sure to preheat the oven to 375°f, and use a rimmed baking sheet to place the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done In A Convection Oven?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°f. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Conclusion

Air frying chicken in a convection oven is a healthy and time-efficient way to cook a delicious meal. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your chicken turns out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Remember to preheat your oven, season your chicken, and avoid overcrowding the basket to achieve the best results. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, air frying chicken in a convection oven is an easy and versatile cooking method that can be tailored to your personal preference.

So, next time you are thinking about what to make for dinner, consider air frying chicken in a convection oven for a tasty and healthy meal option. Try different seasonings, sauces, or sides to elevate your dish and enjoy a delicious restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.