Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Ready to enjoy crave-worthy, crispy fried chicken—without the mess or heaviness of deep frying? This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe captures everything you love about classic Southern chicken: juicy insides, satisfyingly seasoned crust, and that irresistible crunch. All the golden goodness, but lighter and easier right in your air fryer!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection, Less Oil: You get all the crunchy, golden magic of classic fried chicken with a fraction of the oil—your tastebuds and your kitchen will thank you.
• Quick and Convenient: No hot oil splatters or messy clean-up; Air Fryer Fried Chicken is your shortcut to an easy, satisfying meal any day of the week.
• Customizable for Everyone: This simple method adapts to any chicken cut or heat preference—spicy, mild, or extra-garlicky, you’re in charge.
• Guilt-Free Comfort Food: Enjoy that nostalgic, soul-soothing flavor with a lighter approach, perfect for family dinners or game-day feasts.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe plays a key role—trust me, you’ll taste the difference! Each item is simple but essential, coming together to create that classic flavor profile and irresistible texture that keeps everyone reaching for more.

• Chicken Legs and Thighs: The combination of dark meat and skin keeps the chicken extra juicy and flavorful; chicken breasts can be swapped in if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time.
• Buttermilk: This classic soaking ingredient tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy depth—if you’re out, mix regular milk with a bit of lemon juice as a stand-in.
• Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick beautifully and give the crust an extra bit of richness.
• Flour: This is your crunchy outer layer; all-purpose flour works best, but you can experiment with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add aromatic depth and robust savory flavor that infuses every bite.
• Seasoned Salt & Paprika: The secret to gorgeous color and that addictive salty-spicy flavor; smoked paprika adds extra dimension if you want to try it!
• Black Pepper & Salt: Don’t skimp—these two basic seasonings are key to making sure every crunch is delicious.
• Oil for Spraying: Using a neutral oil spray (not aerosol cooking spray) ensures an evenly golden, crispy coating without sticking.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Chicken

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your chicken pieces—this helps that crispy coating stick and prevents any steaming in the air fryer. Pat them down firmly with paper towels to remove every bit of moisture for ultimate crunch.

Step 2: Prepare Buttermilk Marinade & Dredging Station

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, and pepper to create a luscious marinade—the ultimate flavor bath for juicy Air Fryer Fried Chicken. In another bowl, mix your flour, seasonings, and spices, setting up your dredging station for perfect assembly-line coating.

Step 3: Double Dredge for Extra Crunch

First, coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, tapping off excess. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting any extra drip away, then dredge again lightly in flour—this double layer creates that signature, craggy, irresistible crust.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Spray with Oil

Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of oil, then arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, giving them breathing room for even crisping. Generously mist the tops of the chicken with oil—don’t skip this step, it’s essential for that gorgeous golden color!

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden & Flip

Air fry the chicken at 370°F for 15–20 minutes. If you see any floury spots, spray again, then flip each piece gently, mist with oil, and cook another 5–10 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through (185°F for dark meat, 165°F for breasts)—always check with a thermometer for peace of mind.

Step 6: Batch Cooking & Serve

If you have more chicken than will fit at once, simply repeat until all pieces are perfectly fried. Serve your Air Fryer Fried Chicken piping hot for maximum crispiness and pure home-cooked joy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten up your platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, classic chopped chives, or even a scattering of thinly sliced green onions. A few lemon wedges on the side add a perky zing that cuts through the savory crust and brings out the flavor of the chicken.

Side Dishes

This irresistible Air Fryer Fried Chicken begs for the classic sides: buttery mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or fluffy biscuits are always a win. For a lighter meal, go with a crisp garden salad or roasted corn on the cob for a summer-supper feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve up your chicken picnic-style in a basket lined with checkered paper, pile it high on a wooden board for a family-style feast, or add toothpicks for a fun party platter. Leftover pieces also make spectacular chicken-and-biscuit sliders—get creative and let everyone build their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your chicken cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, Air Fryer Fried Chicken stays fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option or next-day snack.

Freezing

To freeze, lay cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking, and your Air Fryer Fried Chicken will keep for up to two months—perfect for easy weeknight meals or grab-and-go lunches!

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy—usually about 5–8 minutes. This brings back that glorious crunch without drying out the juicy insides; microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be nearly as crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for fried chicken night with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken will blow you away. It’s the comfort food we all love, made lighter and easier—so treat yourself and your loved ones soon. There’s nothing quite like crispy, golden chicken that’s homemade, hot, and straight from your kitchen!

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