If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying crispy, golden fried chicken without the mess and heaviness of deep frying, your moment has arrived. This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a crunchy crust, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual weekend feasts, delivering all the comfort and flavor you crave with less oil and fuss. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part because each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe. From the tangy buttermilk bath to the combination of spices in the seasoned flour, these essentials come together beautifully for a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
- 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces: Using bone-in chicken ensures juiciness and flavor throughout each bite.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: A key seasoning for depth, enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the seasoning.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and preps it for the perfect crispy coating.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crunchy outer layer that we all love in fried chicken.
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt: Brings a blended punch of flavor straight to the crust.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Double layering seasoning helps build flavor in the coating.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Enhances the crust’s aromatic profile.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses a comforting savory note into every bite.
- 1 tbsp paprika: Adds warmth and a beautiful golden color to the crust.
- Spray olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken’s exterior with a clean, light finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This initial layer of seasoning is essential because it penetrates the meat, enhancing the natural flavors even before we begin marinating.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl or a resealable bag, then pour the buttermilk over it. Refrigerate your chicken for at least one hour. The acidity in the buttermilk gently tenderizes the meat, keeping it juicy and soft while helping the coating stick better later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Combine the all-purpose flour with seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. This blend is where the magic happens, combining spices to build a crispy, flavorful crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, and gently shake away any excess flour. Make sure every inch is covered—that golden crisp is calling your name!
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the chicken get that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Arrange and Oil the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Give them a quick spray of olive oil to kick-start crispiness on every surface—it’s the little touches that count!
Step 7: Air Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through
Cook the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes. Then, flip each piece, spray again with olive oil, and continue air frying for another 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken should be beautifully golden brown outside and perfectly cooked on the inside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or rosemary can add a fresh touch that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy, savory chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side also offers a bright zing that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully with this dish. For a Southern-inspired meal, consider cornbread or baked beans to complete the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Fried Chicken on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for an inviting presentation. You can also stack the chicken with layers of pickles and slaw inside soft brioche buns for mouthwatering fried chicken sandwiches that will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps preserve its flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Freezing
If you want to save your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe for longer, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months without compromising quality.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method revives the crispy texture without drying out the meat, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in pieces provide more flavor and juiciness, boneless cuts like chicken thighs or breasts will work too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be aware that the texture might not be quite as tender or flavorful.
Is it necessary to spray the chicken with oil before air frying?
Spraying with oil encourages browning and crispiness in the air fryer, mimicking traditional frying results. Without it, the coating might come out a bit pale or less crunchy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Just be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches to maintain even cooking and that perfect crunch.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. It’s approachable, fun to make, and a wonderful way to enjoy fried chicken without the guilt or hassle. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and make it your own family’s new favorite!
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a crispy, juicy, and flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken by using an air fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour mix, the chicken comes out perfectly golden brown with less oil, making it a healthier yet delicious comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Spray olive oil
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, ensuring all sides are coated to enhance flavor before marinating.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of buttermilk. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour to tenderize the meat and infuse moisture.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Air Fry First Side: Cook the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes. This initial cook helps develop a crispy crust.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces carefully, spray again with olive oil, and air fry for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield even more tender and flavorful results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Spraying with olive oil ensures a crispy crust similar to traditional frying without excess oil.
- For larger air fryer models, you can cook more chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
