Cooking delicious and budget-friendly meals can be a challenge, but with the magic of an air fryer, preparing economical chicken recipes becomes a breeze. This innovative kitchen appliance not only helps you save time but also reduces oil usage, making it a healthier option for thrifty shoppers looking to whip up quick and pocket-friendly air fryer chicken meals. This blog highlights air fryer benefits, budget air fryer chicken recipes, and money-saving tips, and recommends affordable air fryer models.
The Benefits Of Cooking Chicken In Air Fryer
Cooking air fryer chicken recipes offers a plethora of advantages and makes it a popular choice for thrifty shoppers seeking healthy and budget-friendly meals:
Healthier Cooking
It significantly reduces the need for excessive oil, leads to lower fat content in the chicken, and promotes heart health.
Time Efficiency
With its rapid cooking process, the air fryer ensures quick meal preparation, ideal for busy schedules and last-minute cravings.
Crispy Texture
The air fryer's technology guarantees an evenly crispy texture on the chicken's exterior to create a satisfying crunch without the excess oil.
Versatile Options
It accommodates various chicken cuts and recipes and allows for the preparation of diverse and flavorful dishes.
Cost-Effectiveness
By using minimal energy and requiring low maintenance, the air fryer ultimately helps cut down on cooking costs, making it an economical cooking method.
Cost-Effective Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
A beloved and easy-to-make air fryer chicken nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces.
- Breadcrumbs for coating.
- Eggs for dipping.
- Seasoning of your choice.
Steps:
- Dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs.
- Coat them evenly with breadcrumbs mixed with your preferred seasonings.
- Place the coated chicken in air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach a golden, crispy exterior.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
A simple and quick dish, air fryer chicken cutlets are a delightful option for a satisfying meal with a crispy outer layer and tender, juicy meat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
Steps
- Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Mix breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken cutlets in a single layer and air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Fryer Chicken Pakoras
A delightful twist on the traditional Indian snack, air fryer chicken pakoras offer a crispy, spiced coating with tender and juicy chicken inside, perfect for a flavorful appetiser or snack.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Gram flour (besan) for coating.
- A blend of aromatic spices for a rich flavour.
- Oil spray for a crispy finish.
Steps
- Marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of spices and gram flour.
- Place the coated pieces of chicken in air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Serve hot with chutney or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs:
A savoury and aromatic delight, air fryer chicken kebabs offer a delicious combination of tender, marinated chicken chunks, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken chunks, preferably boneless.
- Yoghurt
- Ginger garlic paste
- Ground coriander
- Red chilli powder
- Ground turmeric
- Ground black pepper
- Juice of one lemon
- Skewers for easy cooking
Steps
- In a bowl, combine yoghurt, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Skewer the marinated chicken chunks, ensuring an even distribution.
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, allowing space between each skewer for even cooking.
- Air fry at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a golden-brown exterior.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
A delectable and satisfying option, air fryer chicken tenders boast a crispy, golden-brown coating and juicy, tender chicken inside, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders, preferably boneless.
- Buttermilk for marination.
- Flour for coating, seasoned with your preferred herbs and spices.
Steps
- Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Dredge the marinated chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the coated tenders of chicken in air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the tenders are thoroughly cooked and achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Tips To Save Money While Making Air Fryer Chicken
- Buy chicken in bulk during sales.
- Opt for bone-in cuts as they are usually cheaper.
- Make your own breadcrumbs from leftover bread.
- Use inexpensive but flavorful spices and herbs.
- Repurpose leftover chicken for new dishes.
- Clean and maintain your air fryer regularly to prolong its lifespan.
3 Economical Models For Making Air Fryer Chicken
|
Model |
Agaro Regency Air Fryer - 1800 Watts - 12L |
Agaro Elite Air Fryer - 1700 Watts - 14.5 L |
Agaro Imperial Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer, |
|
Features |
-12L large capacity, -1800W power, -9 Pre-set function, -Automatic shut-off, -Healthier Alternatives. |
-14.5 Litres capacity, -16 Preset cooking functions, -1700 watts power, -3 Assist cooking function, -2 Years warranty. |
-2400 watts power, -10 Preset cooking options, -2 Years warranty, -4.5L Basket capacity, -digital display, |
|
Price |
Rs. 10,289 |
Rs. 13,798 |
Rs. 11,077 |
|
Ratings |
4.4/5 |
4.4/5 |
4.9/5 |
|
Review |
This is a good deal for this price segment. Promises a lot of cooking methods. Tried few things and so far no issues. |
We made chicken tandoori in it, worked as per our expectations. Its amazing can have fries every Friday. And samosa. Oil free. |
This is one of my kitchen King because with out oil we can make and came very well |
Agaro stands out as a trusted brand for top-notch air fryers in India, all priced affordably. Explore and purchase these products on their official website.
Conclusion
Preparing economical air fryer chicken recipes is not only a budget-friendly choice but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By leveraging the benefits of an air fryer and incorporating smart shopping and cooking tips, anyone can enjoy delicious, crispy, and cost-effective air fryer chicken recipes that please both the taste buds and the wallet. Among other options, Agaro stands out in the air fryer market, offering advanced features, durability, and a strong customer satisfaction record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use frozen chicken in air fryer?
A1. Yes, but ensure it is thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
Q2. How can I ensure my chicken remains juicy in the air fryer?
A2. Marinating the chicken beforehand and not overcooking it helps retain moisture.
Q3. Can I cook multiple batches of chicken at once in the air fryer?
A3. Yes, but ensure the pieces are spaced out for even cooking.
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