If you have been craving the perfect crispy, juicy chicken without the mess of traditional frying, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. The magic comes from tender pieces of chicken soaked in buttermilk, seasoned with a blend of spices, then cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. This recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor you love, with a fraction of the oil and fuss. It’s a healthier, faster way to enjoy a classic comfort food that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the tangy buttermilk tenderizing the chicken, to the seasoned flour mixture crafting that irresistible crust. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces: Perfectly sized pieces ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient that tenderizes chicken while adding a subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- Seasoned salt: Boosts flavor with a mix of spices for savory complexity.
- Garlic powder: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the crust.
- Paprika: Adds a lovely red hue and mild smoky sweetness.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the crust brown beautifully and crisp up without soaking the chicken.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling kosher salt and ground black pepper evenly across each chicken piece. This initial seasoning builds a base layer of flavor that penetrates the meat.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl of buttermilk and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is key for tender, juicy chicken as the acidity in the buttermilk breaks down proteins and infuses subtle tang.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour with seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. This spice blend makes every crunch flavorful and vibrant.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture and shake off any extra flour. This coating ensures a satisfying crispy crust after air frying.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat. Give the basket a light spray with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the coating crisp up.
Step 6: Arrange and Air Fry
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air circulates evenly. Spray the top of the coated chicken lightly with olive oil to promote golden browning.
Step 7: Cook and Flip
Cook the chicken at 350°F for 14 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Spray the flip side with olive oil and continue air frying for an additional 10-12 minutes. Your chicken should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and perfectly cooked inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh or smoky note that complements the hearty flavors of the chicken.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables are fantastic companions. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken with miniature biscuits and honey butter for a southern-inspired platter. You could also shred leftover chicken for spicy wraps or crunchy salads that make great next-day meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and retain much of its crispiness if reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken by wrapping pieces individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is to pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and that crispy crust is restored—no soggy microwave bites here!
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While skin-on chicken yields the crispiest results, skinless pieces work too. Just know the coating might not be quite as crunchy, but it will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Does marinating longer make a difference?
Yes! Marinating overnight intensifies tenderness and flavor, but even one hour in buttermilk makes a noticeable improvement for juicy, soft meat inside a crunchy crust.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using—it works wonders.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which helps maintain that perfectly crispy finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind the coating’s texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you are ready to enjoy crispy, juicy fried chicken without the fried mess, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, balancing convenience and classic flavor effortlessly. Give it a whirl and see how your air fryer can become your new favorite cooking tool for this timeless dish!
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken pieces cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour mixture, this healthier take on classic fried chicken achieves a golden brown crust without deep frying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating Mixture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
For Air Frying
- Spray olive oil
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to prepare them for marinating.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken into a large bowl and pour 2 cups of buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika. Mix thoroughly to create the coating.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not overlap. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil to promote crispiness.
- Cook First Side: Air fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes to start the cooking process and begin crisping the crust.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Flip each piece carefully, spray again with olive oil, and continue air frying for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavor and tenderness.
- Spraying olive oil before and after flipping ensures a crispy coating without deep frying.
- Ensure pieces are spaced properly in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
