How to cook hunters chicken in air fryer
If you’re a fan of moist, flavorful chicken and the convenience of cooking with an air fryer, then this recipe is for you! Hunters chicken, also known as Chicken Chasseur, is a classic French dish that is cooked in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce. Traditionally, it is prepared in a skillet or oven, but with the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the same delicious results in less time!
Using an air fryer helps to lock in the flavors while giving the chicken a crispy and golden exterior. The air fryer’s powerful circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. Plus, you get the added bonus of reduced oil and less mess compared to traditional frying techniques.
This hunters chicken recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet packed with enough flavor to impress your guests. The combination of succulent chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this air fryer hunters chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
So, grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Follow our step-by-step instructions below to make the most delicious hunters chicken right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prepare and Season the Chicken
Before cooking hunters chicken in the air fryer, you need to prepare and season the chicken to enhance its flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken turns out delicious:
1. Clean the chicken: Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step removes any residual debris or juices and promotes better seasoning absorption.
2. Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken with your desired herbs and spices. A classic choice for hunters chicken includes garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, you can also incorporate herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
3. Marinate the chicken (optional): For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and your preferred seasonings. This step is optional but can result in a more flavorful and tender chicken. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a covered bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat the air fryer: To ensure even cooking, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial for achieving crispy and juicy chicken.
By preparing and seasoning the chicken beforehand, you ensure that each bite of hunters chicken in the air fryer is packed with delicious flavors. Now that your chicken is ready, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer!
Clean and Season the Chicken
Before you start cooking the hunters chicken in the air fryer, it is important to properly clean and season the chicken to enhance its flavors. Follow these steps to prepare the chicken:
Cleaning the Chicken
1. Start by rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the surface of the chicken.
2. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This will allow the seasonings to adhere better to the chicken.
3. Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken. This will help reduce the overall fat content of the dish and improve its nutritional profile.
Seasoning the Chicken
1. In a small bowl, combine your preferred seasoning blend. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own using a combination of herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides. Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasoning into the chicken.
3. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures a more flavorful chicken.
By properly cleaning and seasoning the chicken, you will create a delicious base for your hunters chicken in the air fryer.
Marinate the Chicken in a Mixture
To create a delicious dish of hunters chicken in the air fryer, start by marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture. This will help infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavors and juices.
For the marinade, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or you can even leave it marinating overnight for maximum flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent any potential cross-contamination in your fridge.
During the marinating process, the chicken will soak up the flavors and become juicy and tender. When you’re ready to cook, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess marinade. This will create a beautiful, caramelized exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
Now that the chicken is marinated and ready to cook, you can proceed to the next step to achieve a perfectly cooked hunters chicken in your air fryer.
Let the Chicken Season
Before you start cooking hunters chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to let the chicken season properly. Seasoning the chicken will enhance its flavor and make it even more delicious.
1. Choose the Right Seasoning
First, choose the seasoning that you prefer. You can go for a simple salt and pepper mix, or get creative with a variety of herbs and spices. Some popular options for hunters chicken seasoning include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper for a little kick.
2. Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Once you have your preferred seasoning ready, start by coating the chicken thoroughly. Make sure to season both sides of each chicken piece for a uniform flavor. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on the chicken to help the seasoning stick better.
- If you like a stronger flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning and refrigerate it for a couple of hours before cooking.
- For convenience and quick seasoning, you can opt for pre-mixed chicken seasoning blends available in stores.
Remember to press the seasoning into the chicken gently to ensure it adheres well and does not fall off during cooking.
Once you’ve let the chicken season properly, you’re ready to cook hunters chicken in an air fryer and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.
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