Mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Transform Your Weeknight Dinners

Andrew Limbert
Apr 4
5 min read

Updated: Apr 15

Today, I'm sharing my absolute favourite air-fried chicken recipes, which have revolutionised my weeknight cooking. These dishes deliver the perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior we all crave, but with significantly less oil than traditional methods. Let's dive into these delectable recipes, which will have your family requesting seconds!

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1. Crispy Garlic and Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs develop the most incredible crispy skin while remaining wonderfully tender inside. The garlic and herb coating creates a flavour explosion that will have everyone at the table impressed.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

The secret here is patting the thighs completely dry before applying a mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary and a touch of lemon zest. Cook at 190°C for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (use a meat thermometer to check). You'll achieve that perfect golden crispiness that's simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in chicken thighs with skin
6 cloves of garlic minced (or more for extra garlicky flavour)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon juice
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp sea salt or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper or to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to create a flavour-packed marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure each thigh is thoroughly coated with the garlic and herb marinade. For best results, cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a stronger flavour.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 190°C for 10 minutes, then turn the thighs over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (use a meat thermometer to check).
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juiciness. Serve with your favourite side dishes, such as roast potatoes or a fresh salad.

2. Honey & Mustard Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These tenders are a guaranteed family pleaser - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce that children and adults alike will adore.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 14 minutes

The chicken is dipped in a mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar before being coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. After just 14 minutes at 200°C, you'll have perfectly cooked tenders that taste indulgent but are actually quite wholesome!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dijon mustard
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1-2 lbs. chicken tenders
dash of pepper
dash of apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

To make the honey mustard: mix the equals parts honey and mustard, add a dash of pepper and apple cider vinegar.
Evenly coat the chicken in the honey mustard and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place in the air fryer and cook for 14 minutes on 200°C, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (use a meat thermometer to check).

3. Spicy Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken Burgers

These chicken burgers deliver that fast-food satisfaction but with a homemade touch that makes all the difference.

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time) Cooking time: 15 minutes

Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). The buttermilk tenderises the meat beautifully whilst the hot sauce adds a gentle kick. Coat in a seasoned flour mixture and air fry at 200°C for 15 minutes. Serve in a fresh white bread roll or toasted brioche buns with homemade coldslaw for a proper weekend treat that feeds the whole family.

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp oil
4 brioche buns, toasted
Slaw and mayo, to serve

Instructions:

Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mix.
Drizzle with oil or spray generously with oil.
Preheat air fryer to 200°C. Cook chicken for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve in buns with slaw and mayo. Heaven!

4. Lemon and Thyme Whole Air Fryer Chicken

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in your air fryer! This recipe creates a beautifully moist roast with minimal effort.

Serves: 4-6 people (depending on chicken size) Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 50-60 minutes

Rub a 1.5kg chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Place breast-side down in the air fryer at 170°C for 30 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the juices run clear. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat that will serve the whole family with potential leftovers for sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients:

1.5kg whole chicken
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

Instructions:

Rub chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest and thyme.
Preheat air fryer to 170°C (340°F)
Place chicken breast-side down in basket. Cook for 30 minutes.
Flip chicken over carefully and cook for another 20–30 minutes.
Check internal temp is 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part.
Rest 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roast potatoes or a salad.

5. Five-Spice Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These wings deliver an incredible punch of flavour with their Chinese five-spice coating and sticky glaze.

Serves: 3-4 people as a starter, 2 people as a main. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes

Toss the wings in a mixture of five-spice powder, garlic powder, salt and a touch of oil. Air fry at 190°C for 20 minutes, turning halfway. Then brush with a mixture of honey, soy sauce and rice vinegar before cooking for a final 5 minutes. The result is gloriously sticky, fragrant wings with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury notes.

Ingredients:

1kg chicken wings
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions:

Toss wings in five-spice, garlic powder, salt and oil.
Preheat air fryer to 190°C.
Cook wings for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Meanwhile, mix honey, soy sauce and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
After 20 minutes, brush wings with glaze and cook for 5 more minutes.
Serve hot with napkins. Lots of napkins.

Each of these recipes has been thoroughly tested in my kitchen and has earned a permanent place in my meal rotation. The beauty of air fryer cooking is achieving that satisfying crispiness without the excessive oil, making these dishes both delicious and a bit healthier. Give them a try and watch your family's faces light up at dinner time!