Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Enjoy crispy, golden Air Fryer Fried Chicken that is juicy inside and crunchy outside with minimal oil. This healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken uses buttermilk for tenderizing and a flavorful seasoned flour coating, cooked quickly and conveniently in an air fryer. Perfectly customizable with spices and coatings to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to overnight (depending on marination time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4–6 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Pinch of salt and pepper (for marinating)
Coating
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or almond/coconut flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Additional
- Oil spray (light mist for air fryer basket and chicken)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results, to tenderize and add subtle tang.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices for a flavorful crust.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece well in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick for a crispy finish.
- Preheat and Arrange: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each for optimal air circulation.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook chicken for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying a bit of oil on top at the flip. Continue until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken to retain moisture and cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- Pat chicken dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
- Use a light spray of oil to avoid soggy coating.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safe cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Fried Chicken, Healthy Fried Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Gluten-Free Fried Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe
Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/