If you’ve ever craved the golden, ultra-crispy magic of fried chicken but dreaded the greasy aftermath, Air Fryer Fried Chicken is about to be your new obsession. This recipe delivers all the juicy tenderness, bold flavor, and shatteringly crisp skin you love, but with a fraction of the oil. Thanks to a quick marinade in buttermilk and a blend of classic seasonings, every bite is a celebration of Southern comfort you can customize to your preferred level of heat. Let’s dive into the secrets for making irresistible Air Fryer Fried Chicken right in your own kitchen!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create amazing taste and texture. Each plays a unique role in helping your Air Fryer Fried Chicken shine—trust me, you don’t want to skip a single one!

Chicken Pieces: Go for bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, thighs, or breasts for ultimate juiciness and flavor.
Buttermilk: This is the secret to tenderizing the chicken and giving you that succulent, flavorful bite.
Hot Sauce (optional): Just a splash gives a subtle depth and kick; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance!
All-Purpose Flour: The classic coating that gives Air Fryer Fried Chicken its signature crust.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the crust—smoked or sweet, both work well.
Garlic Powder: Essential for rounding out the savory flavors in every bite.
Onion Powder: It’s subtle but key for that all-around Southern-style experience.
Salt: Don’t underestimate this! The right amount brings all of the seasonings to life.
Black Pepper: A little sharpness cuts the richness perfectly—freshly cracked makes a big difference.
Cayenne Pepper: For those who like a gentle burn, this adds a lovable little heat. Dial it up or down to taste.
Olive Oil Spray: Helps create that classic fried crunch with far less oil than deep-frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add your chicken pieces, tossing until they’re fully coated. This isn’t just about flavor—the buttermilk really does wonders for tenderizing the chicken, allowing the seasonings to soak right in. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or if you can plan ahead, overnight is even better for next-level juiciness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Give it a good whisk so the flavors are evenly distributed. This aromatic blend creates that crave-worthy crust Air Fryer Fried Chicken is known for—it’s where all the magic starts!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken piece and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to help the coating stick. If you want an extra-thick, crunchy crust, try double-dipping: dip it back in the buttermilk, then the flour again. Every nook and cranny should be covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about five minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray—this is essential to prevent sticking and help the crust crisp up. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, skin side down first if they have skin. Leave a little space between them so the air can flow freely and work its crisping magic. Give the tops of the chicken with a light mist of oil spray, too.

Step 5: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Spray again with a little more olive oil to encourage that signature golden finish. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes—exact time depends on the size of your pieces—until the chicken is beautifully browned, and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the Air Fryer Fried Chicken rest for a few minutes before digging in, allowing those juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Top your Air Fryer Fried Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a few lemon wedges on the side offer a lovely bright contrast. A touch of flaky sea salt added while the chicken is hot can make each bite unforgettable!

Side Dishes

You truly can’t go wrong with classic pairings. Creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad all compliment the bold flavors and crunch of Air Fryer Fried Chicken. For summer cookouts, sweet corn on the cob or tangy baked beans round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get inventive with your serving! Pile the chicken into a lined basket for picnic vibes, or build a fried chicken sandwich with brioche buns and a smear of spicy mayo for a modern twist. Bite-sized pieces on toothpicks make excellent party appetizers. Air Fryer Fried Chicken is as versatile as your mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to three days, staying crisp if you reheat it the right way (see below!). Be sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, arrange the cooled chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Air Fryer Fried Chicken keeps for up to two months; just be sure to wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Your best bet for restoring that addictively crispy crust is to reheat the chicken in the air fryer itself! Preheat it to 350°F, and warm the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Skip the microwave if you want to keep things crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work, though they may cook a bit faster and yield a slightly less crispy exterior than bone-in, skin-on pieces. Keep an eye on the cook time to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Preheating isn’t strictly required, but setting your air fryer to the desired temperature for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the chicken helps jump-start the browning and produces a crispier crust. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!

How can I make Air Fryer Fried Chicken spicier?

If you love a serious punch of heat, feel free to double the cayenne pepper or add extra hot sauce to your marinade. For true fire, you can even sprinkle a tiny bit of cayenne directly on the chicken before air frying.

What should I do if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a substitute. This quick swap keeps your Air Fryer Fried Chicken ultra-tender and flavorful.

How do I avoid a soggy crust?

To ensure the crispiest coating, don’t overcrowd your basket and always give the chicken a light spray of oil before and halfway through cooking. Also, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after air frying to keep the bottom from steaming and turning soggy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your fried chicken cravings guilt-free, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken truly delivers on all fronts: flavor, crunch, and convenience. Give this recipe a try and prepare to wow yourself (and everyone at your table) with just how easy and delicious homemade fried chicken can be!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and crispy air fryer fried chicken that’s healthier than traditional fried chicken but just as tasty. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, this recipe results in perfectly cooked, golden-brown chicken pieces with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Coating:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

olive oil spray

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, coat in flour mixture.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, spray basket with oil, arrange chicken, air fry, flip halfway through cooking.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest before serving.