Air Fryer Fried Chicken

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The air fryer cooks the chicken perfectly, making it crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy and tender on the inside. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, you get the satisfaction of making fried chicken at home without the mess of deep frying.

how to make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 pounds bone-in, skin on chicken pieces
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Directions:

1. In a large dish, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours), turning occasionally.
3. About 1 hour before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge to come to room temperature.
4. In another large dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and remaining salt.
5. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and combine with a fork until small lumps remain.
6. Shake excess liquid from the chicken, dredge it in the flour mixture, and place it in a greased air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
7. Spray the chicken on all sides with oil spray.
8. Air fry at 360 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
9. Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200-degree oven or rewarm before serving.

how to serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Serve the Air Fryer Fried Chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes. Classic choices include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. Enjoying the chicken with some biscuits or cornbread adds a perfect touch to the meal.

how to store Air Fryer Fried Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results.

tips to make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Make sure to marinate the chicken for the full time for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process before air frying.
• Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.

variation

If you want a spicy twist, add more hot sauce to the buttermilk or mix cayenne pepper into the flour mixture. You can also try adding fresh herbs or lemon zest for a fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but keep in mind that the skin adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.

How long does it take to marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, let it sit for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Can I cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165 degrees.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

A delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy inside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided 2 teaspoons used for marinade, remaining for coating

Chicken

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin on chicken pieces

Dredging Mixture

• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Method

 

Marination

1. In a large dish, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours), turning occasionally.
3. About 1 hour before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge to come to room temperature.

Dredging

1. In another large dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and remaining salt.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and combine with a fork until small lumps remain.
3. Shake excess liquid from the chicken, dredge it in the flour mixture, and place it in a greased air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
4. Spray the chicken on all sides with oil spray.

Cooking

1. Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
2. Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200-degree oven or rewarm before serving.

Notes

Make sure to marinate the chicken for the full time for the best flavor and tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process before air frying. Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture for customized flavor.