Fried Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by many. Making it in an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy and delicious chicken with much less oil, making it a healthier choice. This recipe is convenient, easy to follow, and delivers a satisfying crunch that will make your family and friends ask for seconds!

How to Make Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons Buffalo Hot Sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Start by making your buttermilk mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and Buffalo Hot Sauce (if using). Mix well.
2. Add your chicken to the bowl. Cover the chicken with saran wrap and refrigerate for about 3 to 4 hours. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavors.
3. Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. In a large Ziploc bag, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, onion powder, basil, white pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine everything.
5. One by one, take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Place them into the Ziploc bag and shake to coat each piece in the flour mixture.
6. Add the coated chicken to the greased air fryer basket. Be careful not to crowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
7. Spray the chicken with olive oil. This step helps to achieve that crispy texture.
8. Set the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F and cook for 25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken and give it another quick spray with olive oil.
9. Before removing, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165 degrees F.
10. Once done, plate your fried chicken, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

Fried chicken is delicious served hot right out of the air fryer. You can pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. It also makes great sandwiches or can be added to salads for a crispy touch.

How to Store Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

To store leftover fried chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk for several hours will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this helps achieve a crispy texture all around.
• If you like spicy flavors, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk.

Variation

You can add different spices to the flour mixture to create unique flavors, such as BBQ seasoning or Italian herbs. You can also switch up the protein and try this recipe with chicken thighs or drumsticks.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster.

2. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating your air fryer is recommended to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.

Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

Enjoy deliciously crispy fried chicken with significantly less oil using this simple air fryer recipe. Perfect for a healthier twist on a comfort food classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk For marinating the chicken
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons Buffalo Hot Sauce Optional for added spice

Coating Mixture

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and Buffalo Hot Sauce (if using). Mix well.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl, cover with saran wrap, and refrigerate for about 3 to 4 hours.
3. Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Coating

1. In a large Ziploc bag, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, onion powder, basil, white pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
2. Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Place them into the Ziploc bag and shake to coat each piece.

Cooking

1. Add the coated chicken to the greased air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
2. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil.
3. Set the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F and cook for 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway and spraying again with olive oil.
4. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165 degrees F before removing.
5. Plate your fried chicken, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk enhances the flavor and tenderness. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.

Yumi

Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]