Air Fryer Chicken Kiev

Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Kiev is a great light and easy chicken dish to prepare right in your Air Fryer. Nothing is better to make for dinner than a quick and delicious chicken dinner!

While Frozen Air Fyer Chicken Kiev is easy, the homemade version is much better! But don’t worry, I will give you both recipes and cook time for each recipe.

What Is Chicken Kiev?

Chicken Kiev is a popular dish of Ukrainian origin, known for its delicious combination of chicken, butter, herbs, and garlic. To make Chicken Kiev, a boneless chicken breast is typically pounded flat and then filled with a mixture of seasoned butter and herbs. The chicken breast is then folded or rolled around the butter mixture, sealing it inside. The chicken is often coated in breadcrumbs to provide a crispy exterior.

The name “Kiev” in the dish’s title refers to the capital of Ukraine, where it is believed to have originated. The dish is sometimes called “Kotleta po-Kyivsky” in Ukrainian.

Chicken Kiev is often served with a side of vegetables, potatoes, or a simple salad. It is a classic dish that has become popular in various countries and is often featured on the menus of many international restaurants.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN WRAPPED IN BACON, AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN KEBABS, AIR FRYER BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER TYSON CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS.

Why Cook Chicken Kiev In Air Fryer

Cooking Chicken Kiev in an air fryer is a popular method for several reasons:

• Even Cooking: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking. This is particularly beneficial for Chicken Kiev, as it helps cook the chicken breast uniformly and ensures the inside remains tender and moist.
• Convenience: Air fryers are convenient kitchen appliances that are easy to use. You can set the temperature and cooking time, and the air fryer will do the rest, typically without flipping the food during cooking.
• Reduced Mess: Air frying creates less mess than traditional frying, as there’s no oil splattering. Cleaning up after air frying is generally easier.
• Time Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times. Chicken Kiev can be cooked to perfection relatively quickly in an air fryer, often faster than in an oven.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Kiev

Air fryer Chicken Kiev is a healthier twist on the classic Ukrainian dish, maintaining its rich, buttery flavor with a crispy exterior. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts serve as the base of this dish. They’re typically pounded flat to facilitate rolling or folding around the butter mixture.
• Herb Butter: A seasoned herb butter mixture, often made with fresh garlic, parsley, and other herbs, is a flavorful filling for chicken breasts. This combination melts and infuses the chicken with rich flavors during cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs coat the outside of the chicken, creating a crispy and golden-brown crust when air-fried.
• Flour and Eggs: To prepare the chicken for the breadcrumb coating, you’ll need all-purpose flour and beaten eggs for a standard breading process.
• Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken breasts and ensuring the dish has a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: To help achieve a golden and crispy exterior, a light spray of cooking oil or a brush of olive oil on the chicken before air frying is often recommended.

These ingredients come together in the air fryer to create a delectable Chicken Kiev with a satisfying crunch and a luscious, herby interior.

How To Cook Chicken Kiev In Air Fryer

With a few easy steps, you will soon find that making this recipe is the easiest ways to make homemade Chicken Kiev.

• Prepare the Chicken Breast:
  • Take boneless and skinless chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a plastic food storage bag.
  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps in even cooking.
• Season and Fill:
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Place a generous amount of herb butter in the center of each chicken breast.

• Fold or Roll:
  • Carefully fold or roll the chicken breasts around the herb butter, ensuring the butter is well-encased. You want to create a tight seal to prevent the butter from leaking during cooking.
• Breading:
  • Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
  • Roll each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
  • Dip it into the beaten eggs to create a sticky surface.
  • Coat the chicken breasts with breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even and crispy coating.
• Preheat the Air Fryer:
  • Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 375 degrees F (190°C), for 3-5 minutes. 
• Air Frying:
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of olive oil.
  • Place chicken Kiev in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching and have some space between them for even cooking.
  • Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, the safe internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F, with a meat thermometer, or instant-read thermometer. 
• Serve:
  • Once done, remove the Chicken Kiev from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the butter inside to settle.
  • Serve your air fryer Chicken Kiev with your favorite sides, such as vegetables, a salad, or potatoes.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Kiev with all the classic flavors and a crunchy exterior, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

How long to cook fresh chicken kiev in air fryer

Depending on your chicken’s thickness, it will take 15-20 minutes to cook a Chicken Kiev in the Air Fryer. The key is using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked before removing it from the Air Fryer.

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fried Chicken Kiev

To achieve the best results when making Air Fried Chicken Kiev, consider these pro tips:

• Thaw Before Air Frying (if possible): While you can cook frozen Chicken Kiev in an air fryer, for the best texture and even cooking, it’s preferable to thaw them in the refrigerator before air frying. This helps ensure that the interior is thoroughly cooked without overcooking the exterior.
• Secure the Seal: Make sure you’ve sealed the chicken breasts properly around the herb butter to prevent leakage during cooking. Use toothpicks and kitchen twine, or press the edges tightly to secure the seal.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and a crispy exterior. Most models require a few minutes of preheating.
• Use Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a minimal amount of olive oil on the chicken before cooking. This helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can impede air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Cook the Chicken Kiev in batches if necessary.
• Keep an Eye on Them: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts and your specific air fryer. Check the chicken periodically, especially toward the end of the cooking time, to avoid overcooking and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures that the chicken is safely cooked without any guesswork.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked Chicken Kiev to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period lets the butter inside settle and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Customize your herb butter mixture with your favorite herbs and seasonings to give your Chicken Kiev a unique flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Herbs or Lemon: Garnish your Chicken Kiev with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to add a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.

By following these pro tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked, golden-brown, and flavorful Air Fried Chicken Kiev with a crispy exterior and a luscious, herby interior.

Can I cook frozen Chicken Kiev in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen Chicken Kiev in an air fryer. Follow the instructions in the provided response on how to do it effectively.

How do I prevent the herb butter from leaking out during cooking?

To prevent the herb butter from leaking, make sure you seal the chicken breasts tightly. You can use toothpicks, kitchen twine, or simply press the edges together firmly. Additionally, avoid overfilling the chicken breasts with butter.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to when cooking Chicken Kiev?

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature typically around 360-375°F (180-190°C) for cooking Chicken Kiev. However, exact temperatures may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so refer to your appliance’s manual for guidance.

How can I ensure even cooking in the air fryer?

A: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the Chicken Kiev to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.

Can I reheat leftover Chicken Kiev in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover Chicken Kiev in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) and heat the leftovers for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.

What can I serve with Chicken Kiev?

Chicken Kiev pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of rice. Choose sides that complement the rich and buttery flavors of the Chicken Kiev.

How can I make a healthier version of Chicken Kiev?

To make a healthier version, you can use leaner cuts of chicken, reduce the amount of herb butter, and opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying to reduce the overall oil content.

Can I make Chicken Kiev without gluten for those with dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Chicken Kiev by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute in the breading process. Be sure to check that all your ingredients, including the butter and any seasonings, are gluten-free.

How long should I let the Chicken Kiev rest before serving?

A: Let the Chicken Kiev rest for a few minutes after cooking, usually about 5 minutes. This allows the butter inside to settle, ensuring a flavorful and juicy interior.

What are some popular herb combinations for the butter mixture in Chicken Kiev?

A: Popular herb combinations for the herb butter mixture in Chicken Kiev include garlic, parsley, dill, chives, and tarragon. You can customize the herbs to your taste and experiment with different combinations to create a unique flavor pro

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