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Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish inspired by the popular Guatemalan fried chicken chain, Pollo Campero. This recipe uses a blend of Latin spices and an air fryer to create a healthier version of the traditional deep-fried chicken.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 1-2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sazón (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Juice of 4 fresh limes
  • 8 pieces of skin-on, bone-in chicken (4 drumsticks, 4 thighs)

For the Flour Dredge:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Cooking:

  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions:

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Combine Marinade Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, combine kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, ground cumin, sazón, dried oregano, and lime juice.
  2. Marinate Chicken:
    • Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and massage to coat well.
    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.

Prepare the Flour Dredge:

  1. Mix Dredge Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, mix the flour, black pepper, adobo seasoning, kosher salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

  1. Coat Chicken in Flour:
    • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and shake off any excess marinade.
    • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
  2. Rest the Chicken:
    • Let the coated chicken rest on a rack for 10-15 minutes.

Air Fry the Chicken:

  1. Preheat Air Fryer:
    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange and Cook Chicken:
    • Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Place the chicken pieces in the basket without overlapping or touching. Spray the chicken lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Cook for 20 minutes, flip the chicken, spray lightly again, and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve:

  1. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve with sides such as coleslaw, fried yucca, beans, tortillas, or crackers.

Cooking Tips:

  • Crispy Skin: Ensure the chicken skin is dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Batch Cooking: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Reheating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Chicken: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
  • Lime Juice: Adds vitamin C and aids in tenderizing the chicken.
  • Spices: Offer various health benefits and enhance the flavor profile.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Healthy and Flavorful: Enjoy the flavors of traditional fried chicken with less oil.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple preparation and quick cooking time in the air fryer.
  • Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping.

Conclusion:

Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a healthier take on a beloved classic. With its crispy texture and vibrant Latin flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

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