Homemade Shake ‘n Bake Chicken (Air Fryer Version)

Revamp your dinner with this air fryer Shake ‘n Bake Chicken! It’s a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken, offering a must-try homemade twist. This culinary adventure brings a classic recipe into the modern era with the magic of air frying, resulting in a delicious dish that’s both enjoyable and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Busy weeknights and hungry families can now enjoy a delicious chicken dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
Classic Flavor: Combining nostalgia with innovation, this recipe features a homemade seasoning mix that echoes the taste of the beloved classic.
Family Favorite: Guaranteed to be a hit, this recipe is loved by kids for its crunch and by adults for its savory notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: Drumsticks are recommended, but thighs or wings work well too. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Breadcrumbs: For the classic crispy exterior. Regular or panko breadcrumbs are suitable.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: These ingredients help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and add crispiness to the breading.
Herbs and Spices: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano infuse the chicken with the classic Shake ‘n Bake flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

For those interested in exploring more about creating the perfect homemade mix, Everyday Family Cooking offers excellent insights into shake and bake recipes specifically designed for air fryers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C). Preheating may vary based on your air fryer model.
Make The Shake ‘n Bake Mix: Combine breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, and spices. Transfer to a large ziplock bag.
Season The Chicken: Pat dry the drumsticks, then coat them in the mix by shaking in the bag.
Prep For Air Frying: Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray for a golden color.
Air Fry The Chicken: Cook for 10 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For additional tips on achieving the perfect crispy texture, The Food Hussy provides valuable advice on air frying techniques that ensure juicy chicken with a crispy exterior.

Ingredients Needed

When embarking on the culinary journey of making Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken, selecting the right ingredients is paramount for achieving that irresistible crunch and flavor. Essential to this recipe are various chicken cuts such as drumsticks, thighs, and wings, each offering a unique texture and taste to suit personal preferences. The choice between regular or panko breadcrumbs plays a crucial role in the final crunchiness of the chicken, with panko offering a lighter, airier texture compared to the more traditional, denser regular breadcrumbs.

The incorporation of all-purpose flour and cornstarch is a little trick that enhances the crispiness of the chicken’s exterior. Cornstarch, in particular, is a game-changer, as it helps to create a beautifully crispy crust that’s hard to achieve with flour alone. The flavor profile is rounded out with a blend of herbs and spices, including paprika for a subtle smokiness, garlic powder for a punch of flavor, onion powder, and a selection of dried herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano. This mix not only seasons the chicken but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that harks back to the classic Shake and Bake taste.

Preparing Your Air Fryer

Before you begin, it’s crucial to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C), although this may vary depending on the model. Preheating ensures that your chicken starts cooking at the right temperature from the moment it hits the basket, promoting even cooking and the perfect crispy finish. Some air fryers require preheating, while others do not, so it’s important to refer to your model’s instructions. A preheated air fryer mimics the immediate high heat of deep-frying but in a healthier fashion, giving your Shake and Bake chicken that desirable golden exterior and juicy interior.

Making the Shake ‘n Bake Mix

Creating the perfect Shake ‘n Bake mix begins with combining your dry ingredients — breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, and your carefully measured herbs and spices — in a large mixing bowl. The key to a well-seasoned crust is ensuring each component is thoroughly mixed, distributing the flavors evenly throughout the breadcrumbs. Once mixed, transfer this concoction to a large ziplock bag, which will be used for coating the chicken pieces evenly. The magic of this method lies in its simplicity and efficiency, ensuring every inch of your chicken is covered in tasty, crispy goodness.

Air Frying the Chicken

The process of air frying the chicken involves a few critical steps to achieve that perfect golden color and crisp texture. After coating your chicken thoroughly by shaking it in the bag with the mix, place the pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching to allow for proper air circulation. A light spray of cooking oil over the coated chicken enhances the crispiness and helps achieve a more even golden brown color.

Cook the chicken according to the specified time, flipping halfway through and applying another light spray of oil to ensure even cooking and browning. The result is a beautifully crispy, flavorful chicken that’s healthier than its deep-fried counterpart but just as satisfying. By following these detailed steps, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a deliciously crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you keep shake ‘n bake crispy?

To ensure your shake ‘n bake chicken remains crispy:

Make sure the chicken is completely dry before applying the coating. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is key to achieving that perfect crisp.
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying. This helps in achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for various cuts of chicken, such as thighs, breasts, or wings. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). Different cuts may require more or less time in the air fryer.

Can I bake the chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can bake shake ‘n bake chicken in a conventional oven if you prefer or do not have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet, preferably on a wire rack to allow for even air circulation. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. Like with air frying, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

These FAQs aim to address common queries related to making shake ‘n bake chicken, ensuring a delicious outcome whether you’re using an air fryer or a conventional oven, and regardless of the chicken cuts you prefer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving the perfect Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken requires attention to detail and a few expert tips. Firstly, ensuring even cooking and crispiness is crucial. Always preheat your air fryer for a consistent temperature. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the basket; this promotes better air circulation and results in an evenly cooked, crispy exterior. Lightly spraying the chicken with cooking spray not only aids in achieving that desired golden color but also enhances the crispiness without adding excessive oil.

Checking for doneness is equally important. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This not only guarantees that the chicken is cooked safely but also helps in maintaining juiciness without overcooking.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

The beauty of Shake and Bake Chicken lies in its versatility. While the classic recipe is beloved, experimenting with alternative seasonings and coatings can tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Consider incorporating a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan cheese for a low-carb option, or add a spicy kick with a blend of chili powder and cumin. For an Asian twist, mix breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and use soy sauce in the seasoning. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s crispy, comforting essence.

Incorporating these expert tips and variations into your cooking repertoire can elevate the simple act of making Shake and Bake Chicken into a culinary adventure, allowing for creativity and customization while ensuring delicious results every time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Discover more delicious chicken recipes to expand your culinary repertoire and continue exploring new flavors and cooking methods.

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Air Fryer Shake And Bake Chicken

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken recipe transforms a classic favorite into a healthier, crispy delight. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines homemade seasoning with the convenience of air frying for a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

8 chicken drumsticks
1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, flour, cornstarch, and spices. Transfer to a large ziplock bag.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, add to the bag, and shake until well coated.
Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Cook for 10 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken is thoroughly dried for best breading adherence.
Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Leftover seasoning mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: per serving
Calories: 432 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 139mg