Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe in the Air Fryer

This blackened chicken recipe brings the bold flavors of special cuisine to your kitchen using an air fryer. It’s a simple, flavorful way to prepare chicken that the whole family will love. This easy recipe ensures juicy chicken with a delicious dark crust, perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

I have always enjoyed making Blackened Chicken in the Air Fryer as this method offers several distinct advantages over traditional cooking methods such as grilling, pan-frying, or baking. Here are some key benefits: Consistent results, healthier cooking, reduced cooking time, less Mess, and convenience.

PRO Tips for the Perfect Blackened Chicken in the Air Fryer

Uniform Thickness: Use a meat mallet to pound them to even thickness for best results, especially with thicker chicken breasts. This ensures even cooking and a perfect blackened crust.

Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing it to rest at room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly. Marinating it with the spice mixture during this time enhances flavor penetration.

High Heat is Key: Whether using an air fryer or a skillet, cooking at a high temperature is crucial for achieving the signature charred exterior without overcooking the inside.

Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice mixture to suit your taste. Adding chili powder or more cayenne pepper can increase heat, while herbs like basil offer a different flavor profile.

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: I prefer skinless chicken breasts as they provide a lean, neutral base for the rich, bold flavors of the blackening spices, absorbing them to create a juicy, flavorful dish.

Cooking Oil: Ensures the spice blend adheres to the chicken and creates a crispy exterior during cooking.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity, tenderizing the chicken and enhancing the other flavors.

Blackened chicken spices: I made mine using a combination of Paprika, Salt, Dried Thyme, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, and Cayenne Pepper. Ensure the onion and garlic powder do not contain salt; if they do, skip adding salt.

How to make the air fryer Easy Blackened Chicken

Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. This blend of spices will create your blackening seasoning.

Marinate the Chicken: Add lemon juice and vegetable oil to the spice blend in a bowl with the chicken, then pour the spices over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Place chicken pieces in an airtight container. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Use cooking spray to grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking lightly.

Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side or until the outside of the chicken has a dark crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This easy chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with various sides, such as green beans, sweet potatoes, or rice.

Serving ideas

With its smoky flavor and spicy crust, the Easy Blackened Chicken recipe in the Air Fryer is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving ideas to turn your blackened chicken into a complete and delightful meal:

1. With Grains:
   • Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: Serve alongside a fluffy bed of rice pilaf or quinoa to soak up the flavors.
   • Cajun Dirty Rice: Enhance the Cajun theme with spicy dirty rice.
2. Vegetables:
   • Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy side, pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
   • Green Beans: A side of green beans, almondine, or steamed green beans complements the spicy chicken well.
   • Corn on the Cob: Offer a sweet contrast with buttered corn on the cob.
3. Salads:
   • Caesar Salad: Add sliced blackened chicken to a Caesar salad for a hearty meal.
   • Fresh Garden Salad: Serve with a crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the spicy flavors.
4. Pasta:
   • Chicken Alfredo: Slice the blackened chicken and serve it over fettuccine Alfredo for a creamy and luxurious dish.
   • Pasta Primavera: Mix with pasta and a medley of sautéed spring vegetables for a colorful and satisfying meal.
5. Sandwiches and Wraps:
   • Chicken Sandwich: Place slices of blackened chicken in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce for a delicious sandwich.
   • Wraps: Wrap slices of chicken with mixed greens, avocado, and a light dressing in a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch option.
6. Starchy Sides:
   • Sweet Potato Fries: Offer a sweet and spicy combination with a side of baked sweet potato fries.
   • Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to balance the bold flavors of the chicken.

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken

It's time to enjoy your chicken with a well infused and balanced flavor! Te air fryer allows you to achieve the rich, crispy texture of blackened chicken without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option. The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly, reducing the fat content compared to pan-frying in oil.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 5

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil olive oil or avocado oil works great
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper fresh-cracked preferred
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar optional
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, kosher salt, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, sugar (if using), and cayenne pepper. This blend of spices will create your blackening seasoning.
• Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in an airtight container. Add lemon juice and vegetable oil to the spice blend, then pour over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Use cooking spray to lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the outside of the chicken has a dark crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This easy chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like green beans, sweet potatoes, or a side of rice.

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes, you can use a hot cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat on the stove. The cooking technique remains similar, and you’ll still achieve that characteristic smoky flavor and blackened crust.

How long can I store leftovers? Cooked blackened chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I use this seasoning on other meats? Absolutely, this blackening seasoning mix works great on different proteins like fish or shrimp, offering a versatile spice rub for a variety of dishes.

This blackened chicken recipe is not only a testament to the versatility of the air fryer but also a gateway to exploring the rich flavors of Cajun and Creole seasoning at home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these tips and FAQs will help you master the art of making delectable blackened chicken.