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Crispy chicken kiev in air fryer served with golden fries and peas, garlic butter center visible

Chicken Kiev in Air Fryer: 5 Easy Steps to Juicy Perfection

Ifra Shahnawaz
Golden, crispy Chicken Kiev with a gooey garlic butter center—made easy in your air fryer! No soggy bottoms, no mess, just perfectly cooked comfort food in minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 kievs
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • airfryer
  • Tongs or spatula
  • meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Paper liner (highly recommended)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 –4 Chicken Kievs fresh or frozen, any brand including Aldi
  • Frozen crinkle-cut fries optional, for serving
  • Frozen peas optional, for serving
  • Air fryer paper liner to catch garlic butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended: Set air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and run empty for 2 minutes to crisp the breadcrumbs immediately.
  • Arrange the Kievs: Place a paper liner in the basket. Lay kievs on top without stacking. If cooking fries in the same basket, place them around the chicken.
    Chicken kievs placed in air fryer basket on paper liner with space between for even cooking
  • Cook
  • Fresh / Chilled: 360°F (180°C) for 18 minutes
  • Frozen: 360°F (180°C) for 20–22 minutes
  • (Check halfway; flip not required for kievs.)
  • Shake or Check: If you’re making fries, give the basket a shake halfway through cooking. Otherwise, just check the breadcrumbs are golden.
  • Rest Before Serving: Remove kievs from the basket and let rest 2–3 minutes. This keeps the garlic butter from spilling out too early.

Notes

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Don’t Pierce the Chicken: Use a thermometer to check doneness (165°F / 74°C) without hitting the butter pocket.  
  • Save Garlic Butter: Paper liner catches leaks—pour it back over fries, mash, or veggies.  
  • Time Sides Smartly: Start fries 2 minutes before fresh kievs so everything finishes together.  
  • Sauce Ideas: Lemon mayo, garlic aioli, or creamy mustard dip.  
  • Variations: Cheese-filled kievs, herb butter inside, gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.  
 

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Classic: Chips and garden peas  
  • Lighter: Fresh green salad or roasted broccoli  
  • Comfort: Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up garlic butter  
 

❄️ Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
 
  • Reheat (Air Fryer): 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes straight from fridge  
  • Do not microwave (makes coating soggy and butter leak)  
  • Freezer: If frozen before cooking, do not refreeze
 
Keyword chicken kiev in air fryer