Description
This recipe recreates the iconic Pollo Campero fried chicken with a healthier twist using an air fryer. Marinated in a flavorful blend of lime juice, garlic, and traditional spices, the chicken is coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch mixture and air fried to golden perfection. Expect juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crunchy exterior reminiscent of classic Latin American fried chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 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
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, taking care not to exceed 2 hours as the acidity of the lime juice can toughen the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder until evenly combined. This will form the crispy coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra coating to avoid clumps.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray each coated chicken piece with olive oil spray to promote browning. Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even golden-brown crust and thorough cooking.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Serve hot and enjoy your healthier version of Pollo Campero fried chicken.
Notes
- Do not marinate chicken for more than 2 hours to prevent the lime juice from toughening the meat.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness on all sides.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier meat and better texture.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying.
- You can adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
