Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Discover a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried chicken with this delicious Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe. The perfect blend of crispy and juicy, this version gives you all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken but with a fraction of the oil. Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to deep-fried chicken or simply want a quicker, cleaner way to make dinner, this air fryer method will not disappoint. It’s the ultimate guilt-free comfort food that delivers the same savory, mouthwatering experience without compromising on taste or texture. Ideal for family dinners or a casual weekend treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken offers all the crispy, crunchy goodness of traditional fried chicken but without the heavy oil and grease. The air fryer method locks in moisture while delivering a perfectly golden crust. Plus, it’s faster, healthier, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or guilt-free indulgence.
Prep Time: | Cook Time: | Total Time: | Servings: |
20 minutes | 25 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 |
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, integrate buttermilk and warm sauce. Add chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for best results. - 2. Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating to the chicken. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. - Air Fry the Chicken:
Give the air fryer basket a light misting of cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the top of the chicken with more cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Notes:
- Buttermilk Brine: For extra tender and juicy chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours.
- Crispy Coating: Spraying the chicken with cooking spray ensures the breading gets golden and crispy in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Space: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Fry the chicken in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate.
- Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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FAQs:
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time to around 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
2. How do I prevent the coating from falling off in the air fryer?
Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the flour mixture and lightly spray it with oil before placing it in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this fried chicken.
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