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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on classic fried chicken by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, this dish is juicy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious meal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 pounds chicken legs and thighs (skin on)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Flour Coating

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Additional

  • Oil (for spraying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken pieces to ensure the coating adheres properly.
  2. Make the buttermilk mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  3. Prepare the flour coating: In another large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly.
  4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Coat the chicken: Dip a chicken piece into the flour mixture first, tapping off excess flour.
  6. Buttermilk dip: Then dip the floured chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.
  7. Second flour coating: Dip the chicken back into the flour mixture for a light coating.
  8. Arrange in basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. Repeat coating steps for remaining pieces.
  9. Oil spray: Spray the tops of the chicken with oil for crispness.
  10. Air fry first side: Cook the chicken at 370°F for 15-20 minutes.
  11. Check and oil: Inspect the chicken for any visible flour, spray lightly with oil if needed.
  12. Flip and spray: Flip each piece using tongs and spray the other side with oil.
  13. Air fry second side: Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
  14. Check doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 185°F for legs and thighs.
  15. Serve or repeat: Remove the chicken once done and repeat the process for any remaining batches.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; proper air circulation is key to achieving crispy chicken.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.
  • If desired, adjust seasoning in the flour mix to suit taste preferences.
  • Spraying with oil helps create the crispy fried texture without deep frying.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute for best flavor.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American