Cooking has always been a way for me to bring my family together, and there’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that feels like home. One of my favorite dishes to make is Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to prepare. Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all thanks to the magic of an air fryer and the wholesome goodness of einkorn flour.
Einkorn is an ancient grain, prized for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. It’s the star of this recipe, giving the chicken a unique texture and taste. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends, this Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn fits the bill. Let me share with you why I love this dish and how you can make it a staple in your home too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Healthy Comfort Food: This dish offers the comfort of fried chicken without the guilt, as it’s air fried with minimal oil. The air fryer mimics the texture of deep-fried food while significantly reducing the fat content. This makes it a perfect choice for those who are health-conscious but still crave that indulgent taste. By using an air fryer, you can reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor, making it an excellent option for maintaining a balanced diet.
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Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners. The subtle flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. Plus, kids love the crispy exterior! You can encourage your little ones to help with the breading process, making it a fun family activity that also instills a love for cooking.
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Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. Imagine coming home after a long day and still having the energy to whip up a satisfying meal in no time.
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Accessible Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and einkorn flour is an easy switch that adds a nutritious twist. You’ll find that einkorn flour is increasingly available in supermarkets and online, making it a convenient choice for adding nutritional value to your meals. Einkorn flour is packed with essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and fiber, which contribute to overall health.
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Versatile Pairing Options: This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, offering endless meal possibilities. This flexibility allows you to customize your meal according to what you have on hand or what your family enjoys. Whether it’s a light salad or hearty grains, you have the freedom to create the perfect meal combination.
The Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Temperature: 375°F | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 cup einkorn flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately upon being placed in the air fryer, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness. Preheating also enhances the efficiency of the cooking process, ensuring even heat distribution.
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In a shallow bowl, mix the einkorn flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture provides the flavorful coating that will crisp up in the air fryer. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; for instance, add a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat if you prefer.
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In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and lemon juice. The egg mixture acts as the bonding agent, allowing the flour to adhere to the chicken. The olive oil in the mix adds moisture, while lemon juice provides a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, then dredge it in the einkorn flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. This step is vital for creating an even crust. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated to prevent any spots from being less crispy.
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Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy crust. Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each piece for optimal results.
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Air fry for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and continue to air fry for another 10-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flipping ensures even cooking on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
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Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Resting helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist. This step is essential for achieving the juiciest chicken possible.
Helpful Tip: For that extra bit of crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before popping it into the air fryer. This can help enhance the crunchy texture, similar to deep-frying. Using a high-heat resistant spray like avocado oil can add a subtle flavor while boosting crispiness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Air Fryer: A must-have for achieving that crispy exterior without deep-frying. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for numerous recipes beyond this chicken dish.
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Shallow Bowls for Dredging: Essential for coating the chicken evenly with the flour and egg mixtures. Consider using wide, flat bowls to simplify the dredging process and minimize mess.
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Whisk: Useful for thoroughly combining the egg mixture. A well-mixed egg wash ensures consistent coating and helps the flour mixture adhere properly.
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Tongs for Flipping: Helps flip the chicken without disturbing the coating, ensuring it remains intact during cooking. Silicone-tipped tongs are ideal as they won’t scratch your air fryer basket.
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Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked through, reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), without overcooking it. This tool is indispensable for achieving perfect doneness every time.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
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Einkorn Flour: This ancient grain is more nutritious than modern wheat, offering a higher protein content and a richer taste. It’s a great choice for those looking to enhance their meals with wholesome ingredients. Einkorn is also easier to digest for some people who are sensitive to modern wheat varieties. Its unique flavor profile adds depth to the dish, making it stand out.
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Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. Its monounsaturated fats are beneficial for heart health, making it a preferred choice over other oils. Olive oil also has antioxidant properties that contribute to overall health.
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Lemon Juice: This adds a subtle tanginess that lifts the flavors of the dish. It also helps tenderize the chicken slightly during the coating process. Lemon juice can also enhance the absorption of iron from the chicken, boosting the nutritional benefits.
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Paprika, Garlic, and Onion Powders: These spices provide depth and warmth, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors. Paprika adds a slight smokiness, while garlic and onion powder bring savory notes. These spices are not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants and health benefits.
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Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the final dish. It also contributes a bit of color contrast, making the dish visually appealing. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, adding a nutritional boost to your meal.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
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Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the chicken perfectly. Consider adding some seasonal vegetables for extra texture and flavor. The crunch of fresh greens contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken.
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Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing with my roasted garlic and herb potatoes for a delicious side. The robust flavors of roasted veggies balance the mildness of the chicken. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up the juices from the chicken, making every bite delicious. Try a herbed quinoa for an added layer of flavor. Grains provide a hearty base, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
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Homemade Bread: A warm slice of rustic einkorn bread makes a delightful accompaniment. The bread can be used to soak up any extra juices from the chicken. Homemade bread adds a comforting element to the meal and pairs well with the savory chicken.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), storing them is simple:
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain the crispiness. This method prevents the chicken from becoming soggy, which can happen with microwave reheating. Consistent reheating in the air fryer ensures the chicken remains as delicious as when freshly cooked.
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Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen for best results. This method keeps the texture and flavor intact, making it a convenient option for quick meals. Having a stash of frozen leftovers means you can enjoy a homemade meal even on the busiest of days.
This recipe embodies everything I love about home cooking: it’s simple, comforting, and brings people together around the table. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, I hope this Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn becomes a beloved addition to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
For more about einkorn flour and its benefits, check out this informative article.
Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine einkorn flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the einkorn flour mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and air fry for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.