Top 27 Air Fryer Chicken Recipes For Dinner [NOT TO MISS]

In recent years, the air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while maintaining the crispy texture and delicious flavor we all love. Among the myriad of dishes that can be prepared with this versatile kitchen appliance, chicken recipes stand out for their simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of air fryer chicken recipes for dinner, unlocking a treasure trove of flavors and culinary possibilities.

Top 27 Air Fryer Chicken Recipes For Dinner

1. Classic Crispy Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Salt
• Pepper
• Baking powder
• Your favorite wing sauce

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken wings dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Toss wings in baking powder for extra crispiness.
3. Air fry until golden and crispy.
4. Coat with your preferred wing sauce.

2. Honey Mustard Glazed Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Combine honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and salt for the glaze.
2. Coat drumsticks with the glaze.
3. Air fry until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked through.

3. Parmesan And Herb Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Bread crumbs
• Egg

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken tenders in beaten egg.
2. Coat with a mixture of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs.
3. Air fry until golden brown and crispy.

4. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Butter
• Thyme
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and place them in the air fryer.
2. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and thyme.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs and air fry until cooked.

5. Sesame Ginger Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic.
2. Air fry until fully cooked and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

6. Cajun Spiced Chicken Quarters

Ingredients:

• Chicken quarters
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken quarters with a mixture of Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Air fry until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

7. Mango Habanero Glazed Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Mango habanero sauce
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken wings in a mixture of mango habanero sauce, lime juice, and honey.
2. Air fry until the wings are crispy.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

8. Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into cubes
• Pineapple chunks
• Teriyaki sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Thread chicken cubes and pineapple chunks onto skewers.
2. Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the skewers with the sauce and air fry until cooked.

9. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Sweet potatoes
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Bake sweet potatoes until tender.
2. Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
3. Stuff sweet potatoes with the buffalo chicken mixture.
4. Top with blue cheese crumbles and green onions.

10. Rosemary Lemon Roast Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken
• Fresh rosemary
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub the whole chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and lemon zest.
2. Air fry until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches the recommended level.

11. Pesto And Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Pesto sauce
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto sauce over chicken thighs.
2. Top with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
3. Air fry until the thighs are cooked through.

12. Jerk Chicken Drumettes

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumettes
• Jerk seasoning
• Lime juice
• Brown sugar
• Allspice
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss drumettes in a mixture of jerk seasoning, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, and garlic powder.
2. Air fry until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked.

13. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Honey
• Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard.
2. Coat chicken breasts with the glaze.
3. Air fry until the chicken is fully cooked.

14. Tandoori Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Yogurt
• Tandoori spice blend
• Lemon juice
• Ginger
• Garlic

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of yogurt, tandoori spice blend, lemon juice, minced ginger, and garlic.
2. Air fry until the thighs are tender and infused with rich tandoori flavors.

15. Chili Lime Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Chili powder
• Lime zest
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Season chicken wings with a mixture of chili powder, lime zest, cumin, paprika, and salt.
2. Air fry until crispy and flavorful.

16. Mediterranean Herb-Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Feta cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Sundried tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
2. Stuff with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
3. Seal the pocket and air fry until the chicken is cooked.

17. Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into cubes
• Sriracha sauce
• Honey
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix Sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers and brush with the sauce.
3. Air fry until the chicken is cooked and glazed.

18. Panko-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Salt
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg.
2. Coat with a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, salt, and paprika.
3. Air fry until golden brown and crunchy.

19. Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Thyme

Instructions:

1. Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and thyme.
2. Coat chicken thighs with the glaze.
3. Air fry until the skin is caramelized and the meat is tender.

20. Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Coconut flakes
• Flour
• Egg
• Salt
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken tenders in flour, then beaten egg, and coat with a mixture of coconut flakes, salt, and paprika.
2. Air fry until the tenders are crispy and golden.

21. Soy Ginger Sesame Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• Chicken legs
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken legs in a mixture of soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Air fry until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

22. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Cream cheese
• Spinach
• Bacon strips
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Flatten chicken breasts and spread cream cheese and spinach on each.
2. Roll up the chicken and wrap with bacon strips.
3. Air fry until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked.

23. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken wings in a mixture of lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
2. Air fry until the wings are golden and infused with zesty flavors.

24. Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Orange marmalade
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Mix orange marmalade, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
2. Coat chicken thighs with the glaze.
3. Air fry until the skin is caramelized and the meat is juicy.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions.

25. Barbecue Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder

Instructions:

1. Toss drumsticks in a mixture of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Air fry until the drumsticks are cooked and coated in a flavorful glaze.

26. Mushroom And Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Mushrooms
• Swiss cheese
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Saute mushrooms, garlic, and thyme in olive oil.
2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the mushroom mixture and Swiss cheese.
3. Air fry until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted.

27. Lime Cilantro Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, and paprika.
2. Air fry until the thighs are flavorful and fully cooked.

The air fryer proves to be a game-changer when it comes to preparing delectable and convenient chicken dinners. From classic crispy wings to exotic flavors like Tandoori and Mango Habanero, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the versatility of your air fryer and treat your taste buds to a symphony of textures and tastes with these top 27 air fryer chicken recipes. Elevate your dinner game and embark on a culinary adventure that promises both health and flavor without compromising on the beloved crispy goodness we all crave. Happy air frying!

Top 10 Global Flavors

In recent years, the air fryer has become a kitchen game-changer, revolutionizing the way we cook and enjoy our favorite meals. Among the myriad of dishes that can be effortlessly prepared in this versatile appliance, chicken recipes stand out as a crowd-pleaser.

1. Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Description: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – the epitome of comfort food. The air fryer takes this Southern classic to a new level of perfection, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while maintaining the beloved crunch.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
• Buttermilk
• Flour
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Soak chicken in buttermilk.
2. Coat with a seasoned flour mixture.
3. Air fry until golden brown and delicious.

2. Mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken

Description: Infuse your dinner with the rich and savory flavors of Japanese cuisine. The air fryer creates the perfect caramelization on the Teriyaki glaze, enhancing the succulence of the chicken.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Teriyaki sauce
• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Brown sugar
• Garlic and ginger

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in Teriyaki sauce.
2. Air fry until a glossy, caramelized coating forms.

3. Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken

Description: A burst of citrusy freshness combined with the robustness of garlic elevates this dish to a culinary delight. The air fryer ensures a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces with skin
• Lemon zest and juice
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with a mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs.
2. Air fry until the skin achieves a golden perfection.

4. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Description: Kick up the heat with this American favorite. The air fryer transforms these spicy buffalo chicken wings into a guilt-free indulgence, achieving the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Hot sauce
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss wings in a spicy buffalo sauce.
2. Air fry until irresistibly crispy.

5. Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Description: Italian-inspired, this dish boasts the irresistible combination of garlic and Parmesan. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while allowing the flavors to meld, resulting in a gourmet dinner option.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Garlic powder
• Italian herbs
• Bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken with a mixture of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs.
2. Air fry until a golden crust forms.

6. Tandoori Chicken Delight

Description: Transport your taste buds to India with the bold and aromatic spices of Tandoori chicken. The air fryer captures the essence of this classic dish, delivering a perfectly charred exterior and succulent interior.

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• Yogurt
• Tandoori spice blend
• Ginger and garlic paste
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in Tandoori spice-infused yogurt.
2. Air fry for a tantalizing blend of flavors.

7. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken

Description: Sweet and tangy, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The air fryer ensures a caramelized glaze on the chicken, making each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Brush chicken with a honey mustard glaze.
2. Air fry until the glaze becomes sticky and golden.

8. Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

Description: Infuse your dinner with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of an Asian stir-fry. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to savor the delightful combination of sesame and ginger.

Ingredients:

• Chicken strips
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Ginger and garlic, minced
• Vegetables of your choice

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken and vegetables in a soy and sesame-infused marinade.
2. Air fry for a quick and flavorful stir-fry.

9. Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Description: A tropical twist on the classic chicken tender. The air fryer transforms these tenders into a crunchy and coconut-infused delight, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Coconut milk
• Shredded coconut
• Bread crumbs
• Lime zest

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken in coconut milk and coat with a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs.
2. Air fry for a crispy and tropical sensation.

10. Mediterranean Herb-Marinated Chicken

Description: Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this herb-marinated chicken. The air fryer locks in the flavors, resulting in a savory and aromatic dish reminiscent of sunny coastal landscapes.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme)
• Garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic.
2. Air fry for a taste of the Mediterranean at your dinner table.

My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe

Amidst the plethora of enticing options, one air fryer chicken recipe stands out as a personal favorite – the Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken.

Description: This recipe combines the richness of butter with the earthy aroma of herbs and the pungency of garlic, resulting in a mouthwatering and succulent roasted chicken. The air fryer ensures a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken, cleaned and pat-dried
• Butter, softened
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped herbs.
2. Rub the butter mixture over and inside the chicken.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Air fry until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Mastering the art of air fryer cooking requires a combination of technique and know-how. Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer chicken dinners are a resounding success:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Description: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving optimal cooking results. This ensures that the food starts cooking immediately, promoting even and consistent results.

Procedure:

• Preheat the air fryer at the desired temperature for a few minutes before placing your chicken inside.

2. Use The Right Temperature And Time Settings

Description: Understanding the appropriate temperature and time settings is essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for recommended settings, and adjust based on your preferences.

Procedure:

• Experiment with different temperature and time combinations to find the perfect balance for your preferred level of crispiness.

3. Invest In A Meat Thermometer

Description: To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely, invest in a reliable meat thermometer. This eliminates the guesswork, allowing you to achieve the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.

Procedure:

• Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness.

4. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket

Description: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can hinder the circulation of hot air, resulting in uneven cooking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer to allow proper air circulation and achieve consistent results.

Procedure:

• Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each piece has ample space for the air to circulate.

5. Brush Or Spray With Oil For Crispy Skin

Description: While the air fryer is renowned for its ability to cook with minimal oil, a light coating can enhance the crispiness of the chicken skin. Use a brush or spray bottle for an even application.

Procedure:

• Lightly brush or spray the chicken with oil before air frying to achieve that perfect golden crunch.

6. Marinate For Flavor Infusion

Description: Marinating your chicken before air frying enhances its flavor profile. Allow the meat to absorb the marinade’s goodness, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.

Procedure:

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour before air frying.

7. Rotate Or Flip Midway Through Cooking

Description: To ensure even cooking, consider rotating or flipping the chicken midway through the cooking process. This prevents one side from getting too crispy while the other remains undercooked.

Procedure:

• Carefully flip or rotate the chicken using tongs or a spatula, ensuring all sides receive equal heat.

8. Let It Rest After Cooking

Description: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Procedure:

• Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

In our fast-paced lives, finding efficient cooking strategies is essential. Here are some time-saving tips for incorporating air fryer chicken recipes into your busy routine:

1. Prep Ahead Of Time

Description: Dedicate a specific time to prepare and marinate your chicken in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry, saving you precious minutes during the hectic dinner rush.

Procedure:

• Clean and marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning, so it’s ready to cook when you need it.

2. Utilize Frozen Chicken

Description: Many air fryers allow you to cook frozen chicken without thawing. This eliminates the need for pre-planning and defrosting, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Procedure:

• Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer’s recommendations for frozen chicken.

3. Batch Cooking

Description: Prepare larger quantities of air fryer chicken and store the leftovers for later in the week. This strategy reduces the need for daily cooking, providing ready-made meals during busy evenings.

Procedure:

• Cook extra portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

4. Experiment With One-Pot Recipes

Description: Combine ingredients in a single air fryer basket for a hassle-free one-pot dinner. This not only saves time on preparation but also minimizes the number of dishes to clean.

Procedure:

• Choose recipes that allow you to cook the chicken and accompanying vegetables or sides together in the air fryer.

5. Optimize Multitasking

Description: While the air fryer is working its magic, utilize the time to prepare other elements of your meal. Chop vegetables, set the table, or work on a quick side dish to maximize efficiency.

Procedure:

• Plan your cooking process to make the most of your time while the air fryer is in action.

Conclusion

In the realm of dinner possibilities, air fryer chicken recipes stand out as a delicious and convenient choice for cooks of all levels. From the classic Southern fried chicken to exotic Tandoori delights, the air fryer opens up a world of culinary exploration. With the right tips, tricks, and time-saving strategies, you can master the art of air fryer cooking, creating flavorful and succulent chicken dinners that will delight your taste buds and simplify your busy life. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, the air fryer is your ticket to culinary excellence, delivering scrumptious dinners with minimal effort. Embrace the versatility of this modern kitchen appliance and embark on a flavorful journey through the world of air fryer chicken recipes for dinner.