If you’ve been craving that perfect crispy, golden fried chicken without all the mess and extra oil, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe. It brings together juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy crust made possible by the magic of the air fryer. This recipe balances convenience, indulgence, and healthier cooking to deliver a comforting dish that feels like a treat every single time, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in creating that unbeatable texture and rich flavor. From the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the blend of spices that add warmth and a little kick, every pantry staple works harmoniously together.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: Use drumsticks, thighs, or breasts for juicy meat with a crispy exterior.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Provides acidity to tenderize and flavor the chicken deeply.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle heat to elevate the marinade.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the crispy crust that locks in juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Imparts smoky sweetness and a vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings aromatic depth and savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle peppery bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers just the right touch of spiciness.
- Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the exterior perfectly in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with gentle heat and tang. Add your chicken pieces and toss them well to coat completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour—overnight is even better for maximum flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While your chicken marinates, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour is the secret to the irresistibly crunchy coating that makes this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe stand out. Each spice layers in complexity and color.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off so the flour mixture adheres evenly. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure a thick, even coating. For an extra crunchy crust, try double-dipping: back into the buttermilk, then the flour again for double the deliciousness.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray, which keeps the chicken from sticking and encourages browning. This simple prep step makes a big difference in texture and ease of cleanup.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, skin side down if applicable. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help create that golden crisp. Cook for 12 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken, spray again, and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is deeply golden and crispy. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges brings a bright, fresh contrast to the rich fried chicken. Alternatively, a dash of flaky sea salt just before serving adds a delicate crunch and enhanced flavor that will elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic coleslaw offers a crisp, tangy balance, while creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob bring comforting textures. For lighter options, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad do a wonderful job cooling down those spicy edges.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve your chicken as sliders with soft brioche buns and pickles, or slice it over a bed of seasoned rice and drizzle with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. You can even turn this into a delicious salad topping, perfectly blending crunchy and juicy elements for a satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the skin intact helps retain its crisp texture, but be aware that it will soften with time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This method prevents sticking and allows you to reheat just what you need, keeping the rest fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back some of that original crisp, reheat your fried chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This reheating technique is much better than a microwave, which tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! However, skin-on chicken yields the crispiest results, as the skin helps lock in moisture and browns beautifully. Skinless pieces will still taste great but might not have quite the same crunch.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using; it works just as well to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
Is it necessary to flip the chicken halfway through cooking?
Yes, flipping ensures even cooking on both sides and helps the coating brown uniformly. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in the final texture and appearance.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?
The recipe includes a touch of cayenne and optional hot sauce to add mild heat. You can adjust these amounts up or down depending on your heat preference, making it as mild or as spicy as you like.
Can I double the recipe and cook all at once?
It’s best not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness. If doubling the recipe, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets enough air circulation and cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer if you love the taste of classic fried chicken but want a quicker, cleaner, and slightly healthier way to enjoy it. The juicy meat and crunchy coating will win over your whole family, and the ease of the air fryer means you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to fry chicken!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken pieces without the deep-frying mess. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour blend, the chicken cooks to golden perfection in the air fryer, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken with all the crunch and juiciness you love.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This seasoned flour will provide the flavorful, crispy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve an even, crispy crust when cooking.
- Arrange and Cook: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, skin side down if applicable, without overcrowding the basket. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to promote browning.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 12 minutes. Then, flip each piece over, spray again lightly with oil, and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to seal in juices and enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure that each piece crisps up nicely.
- For extra crunch, dip the chicken twice in the buttermilk and flour mixture before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Skinless chicken can be used as a lighter option, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
