Description

Air Fryer Fried Chicken offers a crunchy, juicy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Using less oil and an air fryer, this recipe achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness with less mess and reduced calories. Ideal for beginners and pros alike, it provides a quick, customizable, and satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
1 to 2 cups buttermilk (enough to soak chicken)

Coating

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

For Air Frying

Cooking spray or oil mist (neutral oil like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly, then soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and retain moisture.
Mix the Coating: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute spices.
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating on firmly to create a thick crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between them. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again to develop a golden, crispy crust.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for best crispiness and flour adherence.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Use similarly sized chicken pieces for consistent cooking times.
Lightly spray oil before and during cooking to achieve a perfect golden crust.
Season both the chicken and the flour mixture to enhance overall flavor.

Prep Time: 35 minutes (including 30-minute minimum soak)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg

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