Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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Enjoy crispy, golden-brown fried chicken without the mess of deep frying! This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating—all with less oil. Whether you’re craving classic fried chicken or looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with ease.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Serving Size: 2 pieces
  • Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, or wings)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
  2. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
  6. Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
  7. Air Fry: Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces. Spray again and cook for another 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

  • Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture gives the chicken extra crispiness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
  • Spray Lightly: A light mist of cooking spray helps achieve that deep-fried texture without excessive oil.
  • Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Creative Variations

  • Spicy Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour.
  • BBQ Style: Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken? Yes! Reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes for boneless cuts. Can I reheat air fryer fried chicken? Yes! Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Can I make this without buttermilk? Substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—without all the extra oil. Try it tonight and enjoy a healthier take on a fried chicken classic!

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