Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a delicious and aromatic herb butter filling. It is an all-time favourite for many, but some may shy away from making it at home due to the perceived complexity of deep frying. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior without the hassle of deep frying. In this article, we'll guide you through an easy-to-follow air fryer Chicken Kiev recipe that any home cook in the UK can master.
Why Choose the Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods because it requires significantly less oil, resulting in fewer calories. Air-fried Chicken Kiev retains the full flavour and crispiness you'd expect, but with a fraction of the oil.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup plain flour
- Olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon zest in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This herbaceous butter will be the heart of your Chicken Kiev.
Step 2: Ready the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and make a deep slits without cutting through, creating a pocket for your filling. Spoon generous amounts of garlic butter into each pocket. Carefully close and seal the opening by pressing firmly; you can use toothpicks if necessary.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls: one filled with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, shake off the excess, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well-covered for optimal crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Kiev
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil and place in the air fryer's basket. Cook for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 75°C (167°F). This ensures both the chicken and filling are perfectly cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, let the Chicken Kiev rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures the filling remains intact when cut open. For a complete meal, serve your Chicken Kiev with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. Mashed potatoes or a buttery rice pilaf are also perfect accompaniments that complement the flavours of the dish.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the butter is well-chilled before filling the chicken, as this helps prevent it from leaking during cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, as they tend to fry up beautifully in an air fryer.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken. Thicker cuts may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
Conclusion
Chicken Kiev in an air fryer brings a delightful twist to a classic recipe, offering a healthier way to enjoy this dish without compromising on taste or texture. With its crisp coating and savoury garlic butter centre, it is sure to impress at any mealtime. Give this recipe a try, and you'll see how straightforward and rewarding air frying can be.