If you’re craving that mouthwatering crunch of classic fried chicken but want an easier, healthier way to get it, this Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken is about to change the way you do dinner. Perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside and crackling crisp on the outside, it delivers everything you love about southern fried chicken—just without the mess and all that oil!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Incredible Crunch, Less Oil: Get all the irresistible crunch and golden coating of deep-fried chicken—with only a fraction of the oil or mess.
- So Easy—No Deep Fryer: Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting, so you don’t need to babysit hot oil or dirty up your kitchen.
- Seriously Flavorful: The combination of Cajun spices, garlic, and buttermilk guarantees every bite of Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken bursts with juicy, bold flavor.
- Family-Friendly & Crowd Pleasing: Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a picnic, this chicken disappears in minutes (and is just as loved by adults as it is by kids).
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe keeps the list straightforward, so each ingredient truly matters! Every item brings something essential—the buttermilk keeps the chicken tender, the flour and seasonings create that magnificent crispy crust, and just a touch of olive oil spray helps everything turn irresistible golden brown in the air fryer.
- Bone-in chicken thighs and legs: These are classic for fried chicken; dark meat stays juicy and flavorful in the air fryer.
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle them on first for deeply seasoned chicken right down to the bone.
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient for tender, juicy chicken—you can substitute with milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice if needed.
- Eggs: Binds the breading beautifully for that signature “fried” texture.
- All-purpose flour: The crispy coating starts here; for a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a big punch of flavor and subtle heat—adjust more or less depending on preference.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These double up for deep savory flavor all through the crust.
- Paprika: Lends gorgeous color and a gentle smokiness.
- Olive oil spray: This finishing touch helps everything crisp up perfectly in the air fryer—no deep frying needed!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry (this helps the coating stick), then generously season each piece with salt and pepper. This quick step makes every bite of Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken delicious from the inside out.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
Whisk the buttermilk and eggs together in one bowl until smooth and creamy. In a second bowl, stir the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together—this is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dredge your chicken in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally back into the flour again. This double coating gives you the seriously thick and crispy crust that makes homemade Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken legendary.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange your breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! Air fry at 360°F for 15-20 minutes. Pause halfway to spray any flour spots with olive oil spray, flip the chicken, and cook until beautifully golden, crispy, and cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should hit 165°F).
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken
Garnishes
Top your Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color, or squeeze over a little lemon to brighten things up—both add a final touch of freshness that makes your platter extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken’s bold flavors pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, classic coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. If you want a true comfort food spread, warm biscuits or cornbread are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this air fryer masterpiece piled high on a wooden cutting board for family-style eating, tuck pieces into toasted buns with pickles and slaw for craveable chicken sandwiches, or slice leftovers over a crisp salad for a next-day lunch that’ll actually excite you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—the crispy coating will hold up surprisingly well, especially if you reheat it properly.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag—this helps maintain that golden crust for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back every bit of crispiness, reheat cold or frozen chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes (or until piping hot and crunchy again). Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken for this Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work too—just watch the time because boneless pieces cook faster. You’ll still get that craveable crispy crust and juicy inside, just be sure to check for doneness a little earlier.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk substitute for tenderizing the chicken.
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Why is my air fryer chicken not getting as crispy as I want?
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket, and always spray any dry flour spots with a little olive oil spray. A double dip in the breading also makes a huge difference in the crunch factor!
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Can I make Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken ahead for a party?
Yes! Fry up a big batch, cool completely, and store in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat in the air fryer before serving and it’ll taste perfectly fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken brings all the flavor, comfort, and crunch you crave—without all the fuss! I hope you give it a try and fall in love with this easy homemade classic as much as my family has. Gather your favorite people around the table and let that first crunchy bite speak for itself!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer “Fried” Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 Pieces of Chicken 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
Description
Enjoy crispy, flavorful ‘fried’ chicken made healthier in the air fryer. This recipe results in perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1–2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and legs
- Salt and pepper
Batter:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Additional:
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Salt and Pepper Chicken: Season chicken thighs and legs with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Batter: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
- Coating Mix: In another bowl, combine flour, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge Chicken: Coat chicken in flour, then buttermilk, and again in flour.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 15-20 minutes. Spray with olive oil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Piece of Chicken
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
