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
Scale
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
