Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of delicious, crispy fried chicken, but don’t want to deal with the mess of deep-frying, then using a convection oven is a great alternative. Not only does it cook the chicken evenly and quickly, but it also helps to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust that we all love.
One of the key advantages of using a convection oven is the circulating hot air, which helps to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and crispy on all sides. This is especially important when cooking chicken pieces with bones, as the convection oven can help to cook the meat thoroughly, while still maintaining that crispy texture.
To make fried chicken in a convection oven, start by preheating the oven to the recommended temperature of 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, gather all your ingredients, including chicken pieces, flour, seasonings, and any other desired coatings or sauces.
Next, prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Then, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and any additional coatings, such as breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Make sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure a nice even coating.
Once the chicken is coated, place it on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving enough space between each piece for the hot air to circulate. Place the chicken in the preheated convection oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C).
Remember to check the chicken periodically while it’s cooking, and flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy fried chicken made in a convection oven. Experiment with different seasonings and coatings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this method is sure to impress!
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water to remove any excess juices and bacteria.
Step 2: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they are completely dry. This will help the breading adhere better.
Step 3: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and any other desired spices or herbs. This will add flavor to the chicken.
Step 4: In a shallow dish, beat eggs with a splash of milk. This will serve as the egg wash for the chicken.
Step 5: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated.
Step 6: In another dish, combine flour with your preferred seasonings. Use a fork to mix the flour and seasonings together.
Step 7: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to ensure an even coating.
Step 8: Shake off any excess flour from the chicken pieces.
Step 9: Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack to allow any excess moisture to drip off and the breading to set.
Step 10: Preheat your convection oven to the desired temperature for frying chicken.
Note: It is important to let the chicken rest for at least 15-20 minutes before baking it in the convection oven. This allows the breading to adhere better and results in a crispier chicken.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making fried chicken in a convection oven, it is important to start with the right kind of chicken. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Fresh versus Frozen
It is always preferable to use fresh chicken for frying. Fresh chicken tends to have better texture and flavor compared to frozen chicken. However, if you only have access to frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before using.
2. Skin-on versus Skinless
The texture and taste of the fried chicken can vary depending on whether you choose skin-on or skinless chicken. If you prefer a crispy and flavorful coating, opt for skin-on chicken. On the other hand, if you prefer a healthier option with less fat, go for skinless chicken.
3. Chicken Cuts
When it comes to making fried chicken, different cuts can provide different results. Some popular options include:
- Chicken breasts: This cut is lean and tends to cook faster. It is a good choice if you prefer white meat.
- Chicken thighs: Thighs are more flavorful and tender compared to breasts. They also stay moist during cooking, making them ideal for frying.
- Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks are juicy and can provide a satisfying meat-to-bone ratio in each bite.
Ultimately, the choice of chicken cut will depend on your personal preference and the desired outcome of your fried chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step to infuse it with flavor and ensure a moist and tender result. Here’s how you can marinate your chicken:
- Start by cleaning the chicken thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry using paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix your desired marinade ingredients such as buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that you prefer.
- Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly, removing any excess air.
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Marinating the chicken will not only enhance its taste, but it will also help tenderize it, making it juicier and more delicious when cooked in the convection oven.
Creating the Marinade
To make delicious fried chicken in a convection oven, it is important to start with a flavorful marinade. The marinade not only adds flavor to the chicken but also helps to tenderize the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect marinade for your fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. If needed, you can use additional buttermilk to cover the chicken completely.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken and makes it more tender.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and let any excess marinade drip off.
Now that you have prepared the flavorful marinade, it’s time to move on to the next step in making delicious fried chicken in a convection oven.
Coating the Chicken
Coating the chicken is an essential step to achieving a crispy and flavorful result. Start by combining flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings in a shallow dish. This mixture will serve as the base for the coating.
Before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better to the surface of the chicken.
Dip each piece of chicken into the coating mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Gently shake off any excess coating before transferring the chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the chicken back into the coating mixture and shaking off any excess before placing it on the baking sheet.
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, lightly drizzle or spray them with cooking oil. This will help promote browning and crispiness in the convection oven.
Now that the chicken is coated and ready to go, it’s time to bake it in the convection oven according to the recipe’s instructions. Make sure to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature before placing the chicken inside.
Coating the chicken properly is essential for achieving a delicious and crispy result. Take your time and ensure that each piece is coated evenly for the best texture and flavor.
Preparing the Dredging Station
Before you start frying your chicken in a convection oven, you need to prepare the dredging station. This station consists of a few essential ingredients to ensure that your fried chicken turns out crispy and flavorful.
Gather Your Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the dredging process. You will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well using a fork or a whisk. This mixture will be the coating for your chicken.
Note: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can also add other spices or herbs for extra flavor.
Tip: For a spicier version, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dredging mixture.
Once the ingredients are well combined, set them aside for later use. This will be your dry dredging mixture.
Continue reading the rest of the article for instructions on how to coat the chicken and cook it in a convection oven.
Q&A
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven is an appliance that uses a fan to circulate hot air and evenly cook food. It speeds up the cooking process and helps to achieve crispy and evenly browned results.
Can I make fried chicken in a convection oven?
Yes, you can make fried chicken in a convection oven. The hot circulating air helps to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust on the chicken.
What temperature should I set the convection oven to?
It is recommended to set the convection oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for frying chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
How long should I cook fried chicken in a convection oven?
The cooking time for fried chicken in a convection oven will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Generally, it takes about 25-30 minutes to cook boneless chicken breasts and about 35-40 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
