Air fryer chicken Kyiv is a delightful dish that features tender chicken breasts stuffed with rich garlic butter and coated in golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This classic recipe originates in Russian and Ukrainian cuisine, eventually gaining prominence in French haute cuisine.
Anyone seeking a quick, crispy, and flavorful meal often asks how to cook chicken Kyiv in an air fryer. This method is a game-changer, retaining the juicy consistency and crispy coating while significantly reducing mess and oil usage. Whether preparing it fresh or frozen, the air fryer guarantees convenience and delicious results.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Chicken Kyiv?
The air fryer is perfect for cooking Chicken Kyiv because it ensures even cooking and a crisp finish with minimal effort. Its compact size and efficient design make it easy to fit even smaller portions, saving time compared to traditional oven methods.
Expert Quote:
“Air fryers offer a healthier cooking option while preserving the flavours and textures of classic dishes like Chicken Kyiv.” – Culinary Expert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for stuffing.
- Butter: Softened butter ensures it mixes well with garlic and herbs.
- Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic cloves bring out the traditional flavour.
- Parsley: Add either 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for freshness.
- Coating Ingredients: Plain flour, large beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Air Fryer: A Cosori or Ninja Air Fryer works perfectly for this recipe.
- Optional Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, crinkle-cut fries, or a fresh salad.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Kyiv
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
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- Combine softened butter with crushed garlic and parsley.
- Shape into a log, wrap tightly in cling film, and refrigerate until firm.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
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- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing through the thickest part and opening them flat.
- Add a portion of garlic butter, roll the chicken tightly, and press the edges to seal.
3. Breading the Chicken:
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- Set up a station with shallow bowls for flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the stuffed chicken in flour, dip it in egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
4. Cooking in the Air Fryer:
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- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- Line the basket with foil or use a paper liner for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken in the basket without overlapping and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
5. Serving Suggestions:
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- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a wholesome meal.
Cooking Store-Bought or Frozen Chicken Kyiv
One of the most searched topics for this dish is how to cook chicken Kyiv in an air fryer. Cooking store-bought options, such as Tesco Chicken Kyiv, is effortless in the air fryer.
- Frozen Chicken Kyiv: Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Chilled Chicken Kiev: Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 18 minutes.
- Ensure an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safety.
How to Cook Chicken Kyiv from Butcher
The preparation process for cooking Chicken Kyiv from the butcher is similar to that of homemade versions.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- Place the butcher-prepared Chicken Kiev in the basket.
- Cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 75°C (165°F).
Tips for Success
- Use Paper Liners: These simplify cleanup and help retain any buttery leaks for drizzling over your meal.
- Choose the Air Fry Mode: When using a Ninja Air Fryer, opt for the air fry setting for the crispiest results.
Nutritional Information
How many calories are in a Chicken Kyiv? A standard homemade Chicken Kiev contains approximately:
- Calories:350
- Protein:25g
- Carbohydrates:15g
- Fats:20g
For store-bought options, always check the packaging for precise calorie information.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Kyiv is always a winner, offering unmatched flavour and texture. While store-bought options provide convenience, preparing it from scratch elevates the dish to restaurant-quality levels. The air fryer simplifies this classic recipe, making it accessible even on busy weeknights.
FAQs
- How long does cooking Chicken Kievs in an air fryer take?
Fresh Chicken Kyiv takes 18-20 minutes at 180°C (360°F), while frozen options cook in about 15 minutes at 400°F.
- How do you cook chicken Kyiv from a butcher?
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook for 20-22 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can safely cook raw chicken in the air fryer. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for doneness.
- What’s the best air fryer setting for crispy results?
Always use the air fry setting for optimal crispiness, especially with breaded recipes like Chicken Kyiv.
Air Fryer Chicken Kiev
Equipment
- Air Fryer (e.g., Cosori or Ninja)
- Mixing Bowl (for garlic butter)
- Cling Film (to shape butter)
- Knife (for butterflying chicken)
- Shallow Bowls (for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs)
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
- Meat Thermometer – To check internal temperature.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Herbed Butter: Mix softened butter, parsley, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Shape into two equal balls and freeze on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a butter ball in the center of each breast, wrap the chicken tightly around the butter, and secure with plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Breading: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko mixed with paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally the panko mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Place breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and spray with nonstick spray. Cook for 5 minutes, spray again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy crispy, golden Chicken Kiev with a tender, buttery center.
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