16 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Air fryers are a lifesaver for busy weeknight meals. They’re quick, easy to use, and produce delicious and healthy results. Plus, they’re a great way to cook crispy and juicy chicken.

Here are 25 of the best air fryer chicken recipes for busy weeknights:

1. Air Fryer Chicken Wings by domesticsuperhero.com

Air fryer chicken wings are a classic weeknight meal for a reason. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and always delicious. Simply toss your wings in your favorite seasoning and air fry until crispy and golden brown.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders by skinnytaste.com

Air fryer chicken tenders are another easy and popular air fryer chicken recipe. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, and they can be served with various dipping sauces.

3. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan by delish.com

Air fryer chicken parmesan is a healthier version of the classic Italian dish. It is made with breaded chicken breasts that are air-fried and then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Tacos by iamafoodblog.com

Air fryer chicken tacos are a quick and easy weeknight meal that will surely please everyone at the table. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer and then served in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Stir-Fry by airfryingfoodie.com

Air fryer chicken stir-fry is a healthy and flavorful meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer with your favorite vegetables and stir-fry sauce.

6. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets by bellyfull.net

Air fryer chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken nuggets. They are made with breaded chicken that is air-fried until crispy and golden brown.

7. Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs by cravingsmallbites.com

Air fryer chicken kabobs are a fun and easy way to cook chicken in the air fryer. The chicken is threaded onto skewers with your favorite vegetables and then air-fried until cooked through.

8. Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli by littlesunnykitchen.com

Air fryer chicken and broccoli is a simple but delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer with broccoli and your favorite seasoning.

9. Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes by tastyairfryerrecipes.com

Air fryer chicken and potatoes is a one-pan meal that is perfect for the whole family. The chicken and potatoes are cooked in the air fryer until crispy and tender.

10. Air Fryer Chicken and Rice by recipesfromapantry.com

Air fryer chicken and rice is a classic comfort food that can be made in the air fryer. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer with rice and your favorite seasoning.

11. Air Fryer Chicken and Green Beans by www.chefdehome.com

Air fryer chicken and green beans is a quick and healthy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer with green beans and your favorite seasoning.

12. Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables by pinchmegood.com

Air fryer chicken and vegetables is a versatile meal that can be made with a variety of vegetables. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer with your favorite vegetables and seasoning.

13. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas by littlesunnykitchen.com

Air fryer chicken fajitas are a fun and easy meal that is perfect for weeknight entertaining. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer and then served in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

14. Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles by sprinklesandseasalt.com

Air fryer chicken and waffles is a classic brunch dish that can be made in the air fryer. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer and then served on waffles with your favorite toppings.

15. Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice by recipesfromapantry.com

Air fryer chicken fried rice is a healthier version of the classic Chinese dish. It is made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and your favorite seasoning.

16. Air Fryer Chicken and Dumplings by foodbythegram.com

Air fryer chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. The chicken and dumplings are cooked in the air fryer until tender and delicious.

Is it better to air fry or bake chicken?

Whether air frying or baking chicken is better depends on your individual preferences and needs.

Air frying chicken is a quick and easy way to cook chicken that is both crispy and juicy. It also uses less oil than baking, which can make it a healthier option. However, air frying can sometimes be uneven, so it is important to shake the basket halfway through cooking.

Baking chicken is a more traditional method of cooking chicken that is known for producing moist and tender results. It is also a more versatile method, as you can bake chicken in a variety of ways, such as with different seasonings, sauces, and vegetables. However, baking can take longer than air frying, and it requires more oil to achieve a crispy exterior.

Here is a table comparing air frying and baking chicken:

Criteria	Air frying	Baking
Time	Faster	Slower
Oil	Less oil	More oil
Crispiness	Crispy	Less crispy
Tenderness	Juicy	Moist
Versatility	Less versatile	More versatile

Overall, air frying and baking chicken are both good methods of cooking chicken. It really depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken that is both crispy and juicy, then air frying is a good option. If you are looking for a more traditional method of cooking chicken known for producing moist and tender results, baking is a good option.

Here are some tips for choosing the best cooking method for your chicken:

• If you are looking for a crispy exterior, then air frying is a good option.
• If you are looking for a moist and tender interior, then baking is a good option.
• If you are short on time, then air frying is a good option.
• If you have more time, then baking is a good option.
• If you are looking for a versatile cooking method, then baking is a good option.

Cooking chicken in the air fryer has several benefits, including:

• Healthier: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, which reduces food’s calorie and fat content. Additionally, air frying can help to reduce the formation of harmful compounds, such as acrylamides, which can be produced when food is fried at high temperatures.
• Convenient: Air fryers are easy to use and clean. They cook food quickly and evenly, so you can have a meal on the table in no time.
• Versatile: Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of chicken dishes, including chicken breasts, wings, tenders, and nuggets. You can also air fry chicken vegetables, such as broccoli, potatoes, and green beans.

Here are some specific examples of the benefits of air-frying chicken:

• A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that air-frying chicken breasts reduced the fat and calorie content by up to 75%.
• Another study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that air frying chicken wings reduced the formation of acrylamides by up to 90%.
• Air frying chicken can also help to preserve the nutrients in the meat. For example, a study by the University of Connecticut found that air frying chicken breasts helped to preserve the vitamin B12 content.

Overall, air-frying chicken is a healthier and more convenient way to cook this popular food. It is a great option for people trying to lose weight or reduce their fat intake, as well as people looking for a quick and easy meal option.

Here are some tips for cooking chicken in the air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the basket.
• Cut the chicken into even pieces: This will ensure that all of the pieces cook evenly.
• Coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil: This will help the chicken to crisp up.
• Season the chicken with your favorite spices: This will add flavor to the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking: This will ensure that both sides cook evenly.
• Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit: This is the safe temperature for chicken.

Here are some additional tips for air fryer chicken recipes:

• If you are cooking chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness before air frying. This will help them to cook more evenly.
• If you are cooking chicken wings, you may want to coat them with a dry rub or sauce before air frying. This will add flavor to the wings.
• If you are cooking chicken nuggets or tenders, you may want to bread them before air frying. This will give them a crispy exterior.
• You can also use the air fryer to cook chicken vegetables, such as broccoli, potatoes, and green beans. Simply toss the vegetables with a little oil and seasoning before air frying.

Air frying is a great way to cook chicken quickly and easily. With these tips, you can cook delicious and healthy chicken meals in your air fryer. Start with chicken wings as they are very easy to cook in the air fryer. Try our Easy Air Fryer Chicken recipe to start. The recipe is delicious and easy to follow.

If you are looking for the best recipes, here are a few great tips to follow:

To select the best recipes, consider the following factors:

• Your skill level and experience: Choose recipes that are appropriate for your skill level and experience. If you’re a beginner cook, start with simple recipes and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
• Your dietary restrictions: If you have any dietary restrictions, such as allergies or intolerances, be sure to choose safe recipes.
• The ingredients you have on hand: Choose recipes that use ingredients that you already have on hand or that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
• The time you have: Consider how much time you have to cook. If you’re short on time, choose recipes that are quick and easy to make.
• Your personal preferences: Choose recipes that sound appealing to you and that you think your family and friends will enjoy.

Here are some additional tips for selecting the best recipes:

• Read the recipe reviews before you make it. This can give you insights into how the recipe turned out for other people and whether or not it’s worth your time to make.
• Look for recipes that have clear and concise instructions. This will make it easier for you to follow the recipe and achieve the desired results.
• Pay attention to the cooking times and temperatures. This will help you to avoid overcooking or undercooking the food.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and make substitutions. If you don’t have a particular ingredient, try substituting something else that you have on hand.
• Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the cooking process!

Here are some additional resources for finding and selecting the best recipes:

• Cookbooks: There are many great cookbooks available, both in print and online. When choosing a cookbook, consider your interests and dietary restrictions.
• Cooking websites and blogs: There are also many great cooking websites and blogs that offer a wide variety of recipes. When browsing recipes online, be sure to check the website’s reputation and read the recipe reviews.
• Social media: Social media is another great place to find recipes. Many food bloggers and chefs share their recipes on social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Air frying and baking chicken are both good methods of cooking chicken, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Air frying is quicker and uses less oil, but it can be less versatile and can sometimes be uneven. Baking is more traditional and versatile, but it takes longer and requires more oil.

The best cooking method for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken that is both crispy and juicy, then air frying is a good option. If you are looking for a more traditional method of cooking chicken known for producing moist and tender results, baking is a good option.

Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each cooking method:

Air frying:

• Advantages:
  • Quick and easy
  • Uses less oil
  • Crispy exterior
• Disadvantages:
  • Less versatile
  • Can be uneven

Baking:

• Advantages:
  • More traditional
  • More versatile
  • Moist and tender interior
• Disadvantages:
  • Takes longer
  • Requires more oil

Ultimately, the best way to decide which cooking method is right for you is to experiment and see what you prefer. There is no right or wrong answer, and both methods can produce delicious results.