If you have ever craved that crispy, golden fried chicken without the guilt or mess of deep frying, the Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe delivers perfectly juicy chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful crust using simple ingredients and the magic of an air fryer. Trust me, once you try this method, you will be amazed at how easy it is to get all the deliciousness of classic fried chicken with less oil, less hassle, and maximum taste. Ready to make your kitchen smell irresistible? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to building layers of flavor, giving you that irresistible crispy coating and tender chicken inside. Each one plays its part in seasoning, marinating, or creating that perfect crust that’s golden and flavorful.
- 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces: The star of the show, perfectly portioned for even cooking and crisping in the air fryer.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp for seasoning, 1 tsp for flour mix): Brings out the chicken’s natural flavors and balances the seasoning in the flour.
- Ground black pepper (1 tsp for seasoning, 1 tsp for flour mix): Adds a gentle heat and depth to both the marinade and coating.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): Tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang that keeps every bite juicy.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base for the crispy coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Seasoned salt (1 tbsp): A flavor booster that adds complexity into the crust mix.
- Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Imparts a savory note that makes the crust irresistibly flavorful.
- Paprika (1 tbsp): Gives a lovely warm color and subtle smoky flavor to the breading.
- Spray olive oil: Ensures that the coating crisps up perfectly without deep frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling kosher salt and ground black pepper evenly all over your chicken pieces. This initial seasoning not only enhances the natural flavor of the meat but also helps the buttermilk marinade work its magic later on.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the seasoned chicken into a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is essential because the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, ensuring your final dish is juicy and succulent.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. This blend packs all the flavor that will coat every inch of your chicken in a crispy, fragrant layer.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour so the coating remains crisp without becoming cakey or heavy.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with crisping the chicken’s crust.
Step 6: Arrange and Spray
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so heat can circulate evenly. Give the chicken a light spray of olive oil on top to encourage a beautifully golden finish.
Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the chicken at 350°F for 14 minutes. Then flip each piece, spray again with olive oil, and continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is crisp, golden brown, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to guarantee safety without drying out your delicious fried chicken.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkled on top can add a pop of color and hint of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors right before serving, enhancing the savory crust.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crisp garden salad. For a more indulgent meal, consider classic mac and cheese or roasted vegetables to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not elevate the presentation by serving your fried chicken on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces? Honey mustard, spicy aioli, or ranch dressing complement the flavors beautifully. For a picnic vibe, wrap pieces in parchment paper lined with wax paper and serve with pickles for that authentic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good flavor and texture. Just make sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe another time, freeze the cooked pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed inside a freezer-safe bag. This way, your chicken stays fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture, reheat leftover or frozen chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole fryer chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well for this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly due to size and thickness. Be sure to check doneness to avoid drying out.
Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?
While buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying and double-check your seasoning mix to ensure it’s gluten-free. The air fryer method remains the same.
How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer?
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping, and flip them halfway through cooking for even browning and crispness all around.
Why does the chicken sometimes come out less crispy?
The key is to shake off excess flour before air frying and use a light spray of oil on the chicken pieces. Overcrowding or skipping the oil spray can result in less crispy skin.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe inspires you to create this truly delightful dish in your own kitchen. It perfectly balances crispy, golden breading with juicy, flavorful chicken inside, all without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying. Give it a try – I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden fried chicken without the mess and extra oil of traditional frying. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, the chicken is air fried to perfection, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a crunchy exterior. Perfect for a quick and healthier fried chicken dinner for the whole family.
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
Flour 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
For Cooking
- Spray olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to enhance the base flavor before marination.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize the meat and impart moisture for juiciness.
- Prepare Flour Mix: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika. Mix well to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour to avoid clumps.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Arrange and Spray Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 350°F for 14 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece, spray again with olive oil, and continue air frying for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk can enhance flavor and tenderness further.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- You can adjust spices in the flour mixture to your preferred flavor profile.
- Spraying olive oil instead of brushing will help keep the coating light and crispy.
