If you’re on the lookout for a guilt-free way to enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of southern comfort food, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With its perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating and tender, flavorful meat inside, this recipe transforms traditional fried chicken into a lighter, easier, and mess-free meal that you can whip up any night of the week. The magic of the air fryer does all the hard work, creating that classic crunch you crave without the heavy oil, making this dish a total game-changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible crunch and flavor harmony. From the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the combination of flour and cornstarch that provides the perfect coating, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a sensational dish.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: Drumsticks, thighs, or breasts work perfectly for moist meat and crispy skin.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the chicken beautifully during marinating.
- Hot sauce (optional): A splash amps up the subtle heat and depth in the marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The base for a flaky, golden crust.
- Cornstarch: Helps create an extra crisp, light texture in the coating.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, vibrant color and mild spice.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory undertone.
- Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors to perfection.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a kick, a pinch adds exciting heat.
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray: Ensures crispy browning without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces into a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, adding hot sauce if you want a little heat. The buttermilk is key—it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a tangy richness. Cover and refrigerate this mix for at least one hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time. This soaking step makes all the difference in juiciness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a shallow bowl. This blend creates that perfect crispy exterior with flavorful layers. Mixing these dry spices ahead lets the flavors marry and ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off naturally. Then dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. This step is crucial for that unbeatable crunchy crust. For even better results, allow the coated chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking—this helps the coating set and crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Prep and Preheat the Air Fryer
Lightly spray both sides of each coated chicken piece with olive or avocado oil spray. This tiny bit of oil is enough to get a golden, crunchy finish without frying in excess fat. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust from the very start.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd them for optimal airflow and crispy results. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. If you notice any spots drying out, a quick spritz with oil spray keeps the crust perfectly crisp. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens and complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing coleslaw. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board alongside homemade honey mustard or spicy ranch dipping sauces. For a fun twist, slice the chicken and pile it on buttery biscuits or waffles to create a mouthwatering sandwich or chicken and waffles experience your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe (though it rarely lasts long), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its crispness if handled carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked chicken by letting it cool completely, then wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fried chicken stays best for up to 1 month; just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy air-fried texture, reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method refreshes the crunch without drying out the juicy interior, unlike microwaving which can leave it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken pieces, but keep in mind the cooking time will be shorter—reduce by 5 to 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Boneless options are great for quick meals or lighter bites.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
While it’s not mandatory, marinating in buttermilk really helps tenderize the chicken and infuses flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference, but an hour or more is ideal for juicy results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying, and double-check your cornstarch is gluten-free. This way, you still get all the crispiness without the gluten.
What kind of oil is best for spraying the chicken?
Olive oil spray and avocado oil spray are both excellent. They offer healthy fats and high smoke points, ensuring crispiness without the heaviness of deep frying oils.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best and safest way is using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the meat is juicy and fully cooked, avoiding any guesswork.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is one of those rare finds that brings all the flavors and textures of traditional fried chicken, but with less fuss and less oil. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want comfort food that’s a little lighter and still totally satisfying. Once you try this, it’ll quickly become a treasured staple in your cooking routine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken with a juicy interior using a healthier air frying method. Marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, the coating crisps up beautifully without deep frying, making it a delicious twist on classic fried chicken perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Finishing
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will give the chicken its crispy, flavorful crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure the coating sticks well. Lightly spray both sides of each coated chicken piece with olive or avocado oil spray to promote crisping.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Spray any dry spots on the flour coating with oil spray as needed. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, let the dredged pieces rest for 10–15 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
- You can substitute boneless chicken pieces; reduce the cooking time by 5–8 minutes to avoid drying them out.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- For dairy-free options, substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free buttermilk alternative.
