5 Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try Tonight

With the rising popularity of air fryers, more and more households are experimenting with these versatile appliances to whip up healthier, quicker meals. If you're looking to diversify your chicken recipe collection, the air fryer could be your new best friend. Here are five delicious air fryer chicken recipes that you can easily try out tonight, offering everything from juicy thighs to crispy wings, all with less oil than traditional frying methods.

Recipe 1: Lemon and Herb Chicken Breasts

Transform simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience with the bright flavors of lemon and a bouquet of herbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place chicken breasts in the bowl, ensuring they’re well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
4. Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, arrange lemon slices on top, and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

🍋 Note: For a more intense lemon flavor, use both the zest and juice of the lemon.

Recipe 2: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Get your game day or snack time ready with these mouthwateringly crispy chicken wings, all without the deep fryer’s mess.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drums)
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each wing in the flour mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
4. Shake off excess flour and place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
5. Cook for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden. Check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Toss with your favorite wing sauce, if desired, and serve immediately.

🍗 Note: For extra crispy wings, you can double fry by removing them at 20 minutes, spraying again with cooking spray, and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Recipe 3: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crisp and juicy chicken tenders are a family favorite, made healthier with the air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
• 1 cup bread crumbs or panko
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk or yogurt for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
3. Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove tenders from marinade, shake off excess, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

🌟 Note: If you're looking to avoid processed bread crumbs, try using crushed cornflakes for a fun and crunchy twist.

Recipe 4: Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

For those who crave succulent, sweet, and savory flavors, honey garlic chicken thighs are the way to go.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place chicken thighs in the marinade, coating thoroughly. Marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place skin side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C), basting with marinade halfway through.
5. Rest for a few minutes before serving.

🍯 Note: A glaze made from the marinade can be thickened and used as a sauce, but ensure it reaches a safe temperature if you plan on doing this.

Recipe 5: Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken

Yes, you can roast an entire chicken in the air fryer, and it’s remarkably simple with spectacular results.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3.5 to 4.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon halves, herbs, and vegetables for stuffing

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season inside the cavity with salt, pepper, and a sprig of herbs if you like.
2. Rub the skin with butter or oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
4. If space permits, place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If not, use a rack to elevate the chicken.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken (use tongs and a spatula) and cook for another 30-40 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

🍽 Note: Using a rack allows air circulation for crispier skin, and you can roast some potatoes or root vegetables underneath for a complete meal.

These air fryer chicken recipes provide a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods, proving that you can enjoy your favorite dishes with less oil and more flavor. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, your air fryer can handle it all, turning out moist, flavorful chicken every time. From the tangy and herbaceous chicken breasts to the sweet and savory honey garlic thighs, these recipes cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Try these tonight, and let the aroma of crispy, succulent chicken fill your kitchen, reminding you that good food doesn't have to be complicated.