Using an air fryer for Trader Joe's Breaded Chicken gives you an outer crunch and tender, flavorful meat inside. It's deliciously simple and makes meal preparations quick and hassle-free.
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Ever browsed through Trader Joe’s searching for a tasty and easy dinner option? You might have come across Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken. I often pick it up, and I genuinely believe it's a top-notch item they offer. You might be thinking, “It's just breaded chicken. What's the big deal?” However, there's more to it. This chicken has a uniquely crispy exterior seasoned just right, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
The best part? The variety of ways you can cook them. I've recently cooked them using my air fryer, which gives that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior in no time. But if you don't own an air fryer, no worries. You can bake them or even pan-fry them to perfection.
This chicken is easy to use in many meals. You can slice it for salads, make sandwiches, or eat it with dips. It fits with many sides like salads, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
When I don't want to cook a lot or if friends drop by, this chicken is my go-to. It's fast to make and everyone loves it. Some kids even thought I made them myself!
If you haven't tasted Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken, try it next time you shop. It's a tasty and simple meal choice. Those who've had it know it's really good!
How to make Trader Joe's breaded chicken in air fryer
Before diving into this easy recipe, ensure your air fryer is sparkling clean, with no remnants from its last use. Begin by placing your Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken pieces inside, but avoid letting them overlap or touch.
Heat your air fryer to a temperature of 390°F and let the chicken cook for 12 minutes. It's crucial to flip them over after the first six minutes. Once cooked, take them out and let them rest a bit before digging in.
Recipe notes and tips
- Position the chicken in the air fryer with enough space between each piece. This guarantees they cook evenly and attain that craved crunch.
- Flipping them at the half-time mark ensures a balanced golden finish.
- Depending on your chicken piece sizes, tweaking the cooking time slightly might be necessary.
- Keep a meat thermometer within arm's reach. Confirming the chicken hits 165°F internally is always a safe bet.
- Use oven mitts or tongs when flipping or removing chicken to avoid burns.
- Don’t leave the air fryer unattended, especially if you're new to using it, to prevent overcooking.
- Once done, allow the chicken to sit for a couple of minutes before eating. It helps the meat to retain its juiciness.
Frequently asked questions
Nope! The beauty of Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken and the air fryer combo is that you get a crispy exterior without the need for added oils. However, if you want an extra layer of crispiness, you can lightly spray them with a cooking spray.
While the chicken is already seasoned, if you have a favorite spice or seasoning mix, feel free to sprinkle a bit on before cooking. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
The key is to not overcook them. It’s tempting to let them go longer for extra crispiness, but sticking close to the recommended 12 minutes ensures they remain juicy inside.
Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides. So while it might not be strictly necessary, it is recommended for the best results.
It largely depends on the size of your air fryer. However, it’s essential not to overcrowd the basket. The chicken pieces shouldn’t touch to ensure even air circulation and cooking.
Leftovers
Leftover Trader Joe's breaded chicken? Pop them into an airtight container and into the fridge, where they'll be good for around 3 days. When the hunger strikes again, the air fryer or oven remains the top reheating choice to keep them crisp.
A 350°F air fryer setting for about 5 minutes should do. These revived pieces can jazz up salads, wraps, or a classic sandwich paired with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of mayo.
You will also like this Trader Joe’s pollo asado chicken and air fryer BBQ chicken thighs.
I hope you'll enjoy this Trader Joe’s breaded chicken air fryer recipe as much as our family does. If you've given it a try, do leave a rating and share any thoughts or queries in the comments below.
Recipe
Trader Joe's breaded chicken air fryer
Ingredients
- ½ package Trader Joe's breaded chicken
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place frozen chicken in air fryer and cook at 390 degrees for 12 minutes.
- Let cooked chicken rest for couple minutes before eating.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Position the chicken in the air fryer with enough space between each piece. This guarantees they cook evenly and attain that craved crunch.
- Flipping them at the half-time mark ensures a balanced golden finish.
- Depending on your chicken piece sizes, tweaking the cooking time slightly might be necessary.
- Keep a meat thermometer within arm's reach. Confirming the chicken hits 165°F internally is always a safe bet.
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