If you are craving crispy, juicy chicken that doesn’t come with the usual deep-frying mess, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine that perfect golden crunch outside, tender and flavorful chicken inside, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. It’s the ideal twist on traditional fried chicken that saves time and oil without sacrificing any of the beloved classic taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, ensuring your chicken comes out packed with flavor and that signature satisfying crunch. From the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the meat to the spice-packed flour coating that crisps up superbly, every component is essential.
- 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces: Using bone-in pieces guarantees juicy meat and rich flavor.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: For seasoning the chicken before marinating to draw out moisture and enhance taste.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth right from the start.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and imparts a subtle tangy flavor that’s classic in fried chicken recipes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt: Delivers a balanced burst of savory herbs and spices in the flour mix.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the coating’s flavor and helps develop a crispy crust.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Boosts the seasoning for the flour mixture.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds a wonderful aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- 1 tbsp paprika: Imparts a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the crust.
- Spray olive oil: Helps the coating crisp up evenly in the air fryer without extra grease.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This basic seasoning helps to build layers of flavor right from the beginning. Next, immerse the chicken in buttermilk and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial because the acidity of the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While your chicken is marinating, take a shallow dish and combine the all-purpose flour with seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is where the magic happens—each spice adds its own dimension of flavor while the flour ensures a delectably crunchy crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken has had time to soak up the buttermilk goodness, it’s time to dredge each piece in your spiced flour mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a gummy coating. This careful coating process leads to the perfect crisp that you associate with your favorite fried chicken.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil. This step is the secret to ensuring your chicken pieces don’t stick and that their outsides develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Spray each piece lightly with olive oil to encourage crisping. Cook the chicken at 350°F for 14 minutes, then flip each piece, spray with more oil, and continue to air fry for an additional 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and fully cooked meat at this point.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness to your fried chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens up the plate and complements the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For something a little different, try roasted vegetables or even a hearty cornbread that soaks up all those delicious chicken juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about jazzing it up? Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for finger food at parties or stack it on a bun with pickles and a drizzle of honey mustard for a mouthwatering fried chicken sandwich. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-covered helps maintain the coating’s texture and the meat’s juiciness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months and be ready whenever you need a quick meal.
Reheating
To bring your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe leftovers back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes. This method helps retain that crispy exterior without drying out the chicken inside.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole fryer?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust your air frying time accordingly and consider marinating a bit longer to keep them juicy.
Do I have to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
Buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the meat and adds flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Is it necessary to spray the chicken with oil during cooking?
Yes, spraying with olive oil helps the coating crisp up nicely and develop that golden color without using excessive oil. It’s a key step for mimicking traditional fried chicken texture in the air fryer.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely. The recipe scales well, just make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, as this will decrease crispiness and increase cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure safety and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about biting into a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe delivers just that with ease and convenience. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfectly crispy and completely fuss-free.
Print
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Southern comfort food by using an air fryer to achieve crispy, golden-brown chicken with significantly less oil. Marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, this fried chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside, making it a delicious and easy meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt (for seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (for seasoning)
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
For air frying
- Spray olive oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper evenly over all the chicken pieces to enhance the natural flavors before marinating.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a bowl or container with 2 cups of buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp seasoned salt, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp paprika thoroughly to create a well-seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and spray chicken: Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil to promote crispy browning.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece, spray again lightly with olive oil, and continue frying for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness even more.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispy results.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the size of chicken pieces and your specific air fryer model.
- Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through.
- For extra crispy skin, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it again in buttermilk and flour.
