Meet your new go-to comfort meal: Air Fryer Fried Chicken. If you’ve ever craved all the juicy tenderness and crunchy, golden coating of classic fried chicken—without turning your kitchen into a deep-fried mess—this recipe will win your heart (and your taste buds) instantly. By relying on the air fryer, you get fantastically crispy chicken with a fraction of the oil, but every bit of that crave-worthy flavor. Whether it’s Sunday family dinner or just a weeknight treat, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken will have everyone fighting over the last piece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Air Fryer Fried Chicken is how a handful of accessible ingredients come together to create something magical. Each item brings its own flavor or texture, and you don’t need anything fancy to pull off this classic with a modern twist.
- Chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, thighs, or breasts give unbeatable flavor and juiciness.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with incredible moisture, ensuring every bite is crave-worthy.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a touch of heat and depth—feel free to dial this up or down!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crispy coating, creating that golden crust.
- Cornstarch: Teams up with the flour for extra crunchiness in each bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors forward.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a whisper of spice.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a mellow, savory kick to every piece.
- Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavor, and helps with the beautiful color.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory profile in the coating.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For extra fire—adjust based on how bold you like it!
- Olive oil or cooking spray: A light mist ensures a crispy exterior without deep frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a big bowl—the tangy richness of the buttermilk really sets this Air Fryer Fried Chicken apart. Add in your chicken pieces and make sure each one is completely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour (though overnight, if you have the patience, is absolute gold for juiciness and flavor).
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Coating
In another bowl, gather your dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. Give everything a good stir so all those spices are nicely distributed—this is your ticket to ultra-flavorful chicken!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it very thoroughly in the flour mixture. Don’t be shy—really press the coating onto the chicken so it sticks well. For extra crunch, you can double-dip: re-dunk the chicken in the buttermilk, then again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Give the basket a light spray with olive oil or cooking spray—this helps keep the coating from sticking and adds a perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving just a bit of space so they can crisp up properly. Lightly spray the tops with a bit more oil. Air fry for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping each piece about halfway through and giving another quick spray. When the coating is deep golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), you’re done!
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of extra paprika makes your Air Fryer Fried Chicken pop on any plate. For a Southern twist, serve with a few lemon wedges—squeezing a little juice over hot chicken is an underrated flavor bomb!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with classics like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or tangy pickles. Air Fryer Fried Chicken is also dreamy alongside cornbread, macaroni and cheese, or a crisp green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the chicken high on a vintage platter for crowd-pleasing appeal, or make an epic fried chicken sandwich using toasted brioche and tangy slaw. For game nights or family movie marathons, serve mini drumsticks with a trio of fun dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken keeps beautifully—just pop the cooled pieces in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and safe to eat for up to three days, ready for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra chicken, freeze it! Lay the cooled pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Your future self will thank you—Air Fryer Fried Chicken can be frozen for up to two months without losing its charm.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat your fried chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. It’ll come out hot and crispy, just like the first time around (skip the microwave to avoid sogginess).
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?
Absolutely! It still turns out delicious, though bone-in, skin-on pieces do stay juicier and offer more traditional fried chicken flavor. If using boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat, and that the juices run clear. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Is it possible to make Air Fryer Fried Chicken gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—the coating will still turn golden and crispy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! For an easy substitute, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it stand a few minutes. It’ll mimic buttermilk’s tanginess and tenderizing effect.
How can I make my chicken extra crispy?
Double-coating is the trick! Dip the dredged chicken back into the buttermilk and again into the flour mixture before air frying. A little extra oil spray before cooking can also help maximize crispiness.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food classics with a healthier, modern spin, you simply have to try this Air Fryer Fried Chicken. It’s so easy and fun to make, with the crispiest coating and the juiciest meat, all without a pot of bubbling oil. Gather your family, pull out your air fryer, and see just how quickly these pieces disappear!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make irresistibly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Fried Chicken with this simple recipe. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, these chicken pieces come out perfectly cooked and golden brown in an air fryer, creating a healthier version of a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Others:
- olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in another bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, spray basket with oil, place chicken pieces in a single layer, air fry at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken before air frying.
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
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