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Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Description

This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe brings the irresistible taste of crispy, flavorful chicken with a healthier twist. Marinated in a zesty lime and spice mixture, then coated with a savory flour and cornstarch blend, the chicken is air fried to golden perfection, delivering crunchy skin and juicy meat without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning

Coating

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Additional

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, but do not exceed 2 hours to avoid the acid toughening the meat.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder until evenly combined. This mixture will give the chicken a light, crispy coating when air fried.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the prepared flour and cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for optimal crispness.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray each coated chicken piece with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust. Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. Cook at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness. The chicken is done when the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in moist, flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthier take on classic fried chicken inspired by Pollo Campero.

Notes

  • Do not marinate chicken for more than 2 hours to prevent the lime juice from toughening the meat.
  • Air fryer models can vary, so check the chicken a few minutes before the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  • For extra crispiness, lightly spritz chicken with oil halfway through cooking as well.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.

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Find it online: https://aswoonfulofsugar.com/pollo-campero-style-air-fryer-fried-chicken-recipe/