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
Scale
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.
