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Air Fryer Caesar Chicken

Name: Air Fryer Caesar Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 Bone-in and skin on chicken thighs; 1 ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese grated; 1 cup Caesar dressing; ½ cup Sour cream; 1 cup Pork rind crumbs; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

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Air Fryer Caesar Chicken — Dive into the world of flavorful and convenient cooking with Air Fryer Caesar Chicken, a dish that marries the classic taste of Caesar salad with the simplicity and health benefits of air frying.

This recipe transforms the humble chicken breast into a succulent, herb-infused masterpiece, coated in a garlicky, Parmesan-laden crust that’s reminiscent of your favorite Caesar salad dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or impressing guests without the fuss, Air Fryer Caesar Chicken promises a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also loaded with flavor.

The air fryer’s magic makes this dish particularly appealing, offering a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, all with minimal oil use. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or new to the game, this recipe is a testament to the appliance’s versatility beyond just frying. Accompanied by a side of greens or your favorite Caesar salad, this dish becomes a balanced meal that pays homage to the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar, all while keeping things light and health-conscious. Get ready to elevate your dinner repertoire with this simple yet sophisticated Air Fryer Caesar Chicken, a modern take on a classic that’s sure to become a regular in your culinary lineup

What Is Caesar Chicken?

Caesar Chicken is a dish that creatively incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in a Caesar salad into a chicken entrée. The classic Caesar salad, known for its creamy, tangy dressing rich in Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sometimes anchovies, serves as the inspiration for the seasoning or marinade used on the chicken. This culinary creation aims to capture the essence of the salad’s beloved dressing, transforming it into a savory coating or sauce for the chicken.

Typically, Caesar Chicken involves marinating or brushing chicken breasts with a mixture that echoes Caesar dressing components — including Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce or anchovy paste to add depth. The chicken is then cooked until golden and tender, often being baked, grilled, or as in more contemporary versions, air-fried.

The result is a dish that marries the succulent simplicity of cooked chicken with the robust, umami-packed flavors of a Caesar salad. Caesar Chicken can be served as a main course alongside vegetables or grains, or sliced and added to a traditional Caesar salad for a protein-rich meal. This dish appeals to those who love the classic flavors of Caesar salad but are looking for a heartier, more substantial option that still feels familiar and comforting.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Air Fryer Caesar Chicken is a recipe that perfectly marries convenience with flavor, transforming a beloved salad dressing into a delicious main course. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Minimal Oil Usage: The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing the crispy exterior and juicy interior we all crave.
Speedy Cooking Time: Air frying speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in less time than oven baking or pan-frying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Robust Caesar Taste: This recipe infuses the chicken with the rich, tangy flavors of Caesar dressing, including Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon, creating a dish that’s bursting with taste in every bite.
Pairs with Anything: Air Fryer Caesar Chicken can be served in a variety of ways – atop a salad for a low-carb option, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a side of pasta for a more filling meal, making it versatile for any dietary preference.
Perfectly Crisp Exterior: The air fryer ensures the chicken not only cooks through but also develops a beautifully crispy crust, enhancing the texture and flavor of the dish.
Minimal Mess: Cooking with an air fryer means less mess compared to using an oven or stovetop. The contained cooking space and easy-to-clean baskets simplify post-meal tidying.
Great for Advance Cooking: Air Fryer Caesar Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator and used throughout the week in salads, wraps, or as a protein boost to various dishes.
Suitable for Any Season: Whether it’s a comforting winter meal you seek or a light summer dinner, this dish fits beautifully into any menu, offering a satisfying meal that’s enjoyable no matter the weather.

This Air Fryer Caesar Chicken recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. Its blend of convenience, health benefits, and delicious flavors makes it a surefire hit for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Caesar Chicken

Creating a mouthwatering Air Fryer Caesar Chicken starts with gathering a few key ingredients that combine to infuse your chicken with the rich, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar salad. This simple yet delicious recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that’s sure to impress.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken are the perfect canvas for the Caesar marinade, offering a healthy protein base that’s tender and juicy when cooked in the air fryer.
Caesar Dressing: The star of the show, Caesar dressing gives the chicken a creamy coating packed with the robust flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and anchovies.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness, enhancing the umami and saltiness in every bite.
Sour Cream: Adding a tangy depth to the Caesar Chicken, sour cream infuses the dish with a creamy texture and a slight acidity that balances the savory flavors, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender during air frying.
Pork Rind Crumbs: Pork rind crumbs are a keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative that adds a delightful crunch to the exterior of the Caesar Chicken. Their unique flavor complements the Caesar dressing, enhancing the overall taste profile while keeping the dish low in carbohydrates.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and balancing the overall taste of the dish.

With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating an Air Fryer Caesar Chicken that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer Caesar Chicken

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Air Fryer Caesar Chicken with the listed ingredients:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will start cooking at the right temperature for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Prepare the Chicken: Take the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings and coating stick better to the chicken.

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs lightly with pepper to taste. You might not need much salt because the Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing will add saltiness to the dish.

Mix Coating Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of Caesar dressing, and ½ cup of sour cream. Ensure the mixture is well combined.

Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken thigh into the Caesar mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, dredge the coated chicken in the pork rind crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow air circulation for even cooking.

Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through the cooking time, you may want to flip the chicken thighs to ensure even browning.

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavorful.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Caesar Chicken with a side of fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite low-carb sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe Variations

For Air Fryer Caesar Chicken, experimenting with variations can introduce new flavors and textures to this delicious dish. Here are some creative twists:

Spicy Caesar Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the Caesar dressing before mixing with the sour cream to give your chicken a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Caesar Chicken: Mix in a tablespoon of Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs (like basil, oregano, and parsley) with the Parmesan cheese for an aromatic flavor boost.
Lemon-Garlic Caesar Chicken: Incorporate the zest of one lemon and two minced garlic cloves into the Caesar dressing mixture for a zesty and garlicky twist.
Crunchy Pecan Caesar Chicken: Substitute half of the pork rind crumbs with finely chopped pecans for an added nutty texture and flavor.
Mozzarella-Topped Caesar Chicken: After the initial cooking time, top each chicken thigh with a slice of mozzarella cheese and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Each variation offers a unique take on the classic Caesar Chicken, allowing you to cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Pro Tips

When preparing Air Fryer Caesar Chicken, there are several pro tips to ensure the best results:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice crust from the very beginning.
Even Coating: Mix the Caesar dressing, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese thoroughly to ensure each chicken thigh is evenly coated. This guarantees every bite is flavorful.
Pork Rind Crumbs: For a crispier exterior, ensure the pork rind crumbs are finely crushed. Larger pieces might not adhere well to the chicken, resulting in a less consistent crust.
Don’t Overcrowd: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer without touching. Air circulation is key in an air fryer, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your air fryer model.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful when you cut into it.
Adjust to Taste: The Caesar dressing and Parmesan bring a lot of flavors, but don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Adding pepper or a pinch of salt (if needed) after tasting can enhance the flavors.

Following these tips can help you achieve a delicious, crispy, and juicy Caesar Chicken right out of your air fryer, making it a hit for any meal.

Faqs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of bone-in. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless meat typically cooks faster. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is there a low-carb alternative to pork rind crumbs? Pork rind crumbs are already a popular low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. If you’re looking for another option, almond flour mixed with Parmesan cheese can be a good substitute, though it may not provide the same crispiness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use dairy-free Caesar dressing and sour cream substitutes. For the Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.

What if I don’t have Caesar dressing? If you don’t have Caesar dressing, you can make a simple version by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the ingredients to taste.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Caesar mixture and coat the chicken up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. This can help the flavors meld together more, enhancing the taste.

Is it possible to use a different type of cheese? While Parmesan is traditional for Caesar flavor, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a different taste profile.

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