Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavorful alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken—without all the oil! This recipe delivers golden, crunchy chicken with a tender inside using an easy buttermilk marinade and a well-seasoned coating. Perfect for a quick and healthier version of classic fried chicken, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Golden – Achieves a crunchy coating without deep frying.
• Healthier Alternative – Uses little to no oil compared to traditional fried chicken.
• Juicy & Flavorful – A buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender.
• Quick & Easy – No need to deal with messy frying; the air fryer does the work!
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings for a spicy, smoky, or herby twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt & black pepper

For the Coating:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Baking powder (helps with crispiness)
• Salt & black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil (for crisping)

Directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating – In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken – Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Let the coated chicken sit for 5-10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer – Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
5. Cook the Chicken – Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve & Enjoy – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)

Variations

• Spicy Fried Chicken – Add more cayenne or use Cajun seasoning in the flour mix.
• Extra Crispy Chicken – Double-coat the chicken by dipping in buttermilk again before a second flour coating.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
• Lemon-Pepper Chicken – Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the flour mix.
• BBQ-Style – Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up.
• Freezing – Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Reduce cooking time to 15-20 minutes for boneless thighs or breasts.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Make sure to lightly spray with oil and don’t overcrowd the air fryer.

Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

You can, but buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

Do I need to flip the chicken?

Yes! Flipping halfway ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Can I use a different flour?

Yes! Try almond flour for a low-carb option or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Let the coated chicken rest before cooking and avoid excessive handling.

What oil should I use for spraying?

Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado or canola oil.

Can I cook multiple batches?

Yes, but keep cooked chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven between batches.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Try ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce, or a classic BBQ sauce.

What sides go well with air fryer fried chicken?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread make great pairings.

Conclusion

Air fryer fried chicken delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness of traditional fried chicken—without the excess oil. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned crispy coating, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a healthier, easier way to make fried chicken at home!

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