Short description

Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers a crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender meat—reminiscent of traditional fried chicken but made lighter and with minimal oil. It’s a perfect blend of crunch, flavor, and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier take on classic fried chicken using significantly less oil
Ultra-crispy crust thanks to the air fryer’s hot, circulating air
Juicy and flavorful—seasoned batter locks in moisture
Quick cleanup and no messy splatter compared to deep frying
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

- 4 lb chicken (bone‑in, skin‑on pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Olive oil or cooking spray for misting

Directions

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk (plus added seasonings if desired) for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight—for tenderness and flavor.
Prepare coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne or herbs.
(Optional) Egg wash: Beat an egg with a splash of water or milk—use as an intermediate layer between the chicken and flour for extra adherence.
Dredge chicken: Remove excess buttermilk, dip into egg wash (if using), then coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
Preheat air fryer to about 380°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin or crust-side up, ensuring space for airflow.
Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray to promote crispness.
Cook for approximately 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and respraying if needed—until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices and ensure that perfect crispy texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people (amount varies with size and number of pieces)
Prep time: 15–30 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: Around 35–55 minutes, depending on marination

Variations

Spicy version: Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to the marinade or flour mix for extra heat
Herb-infused: Incorporate dried thyme, oregano, or sage into the flour for savory flavor layers
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or a mix of rice flour and cornstarch for a crispy crust without gluten
Extra crunch: Double-dip with flour, dip in egg wash, then dunk in panko crumbs before air-frying
Buttermilk substitute: For dairy-free, use yogurt mixed with lemon juice or nut milk with a dash of vinegar to mimic tangy buttermilk

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to refresh the crust—watch closely to avoid over-browning
Freeze: Fully cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in air fryer or oven

FAQs

1. Can I skip the buttermilk soak?

Yes, but it significantly enhances tenderness and flavor. For quick prep, season well and proceed directly to coating.

2. How do I ensure crunch?

Use a flour mix with a bit of cornstarch or panko, spray chicken lightly with oil, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

3. Should I flip the chicken during cooking?

Yes—flipping halfway helps ensure even browning and heat circulation.

4. What internal temperature should I aim for?

165 °F (74 °C) is safe and ensures the chicken is cooked through while remaining juicy.

5. Why preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps start the cooking process immediately, delivering crispier results faster.

6. Is it healthier than traditional frying?

Yes—it uses significantly less oil while retaining the crisp texture and rich flavor.

7. Can I make a large batch?

Yes—work in batches to avoid crowding, which ensures even crispiness for all pieces.

8. Can I use skin-on or skinless chicken?

Both work—skin-on adds more flavor and texture, but skinless is lighter and still turns out crispy.

9. What sides pair well?

Classic sides include coleslaw, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

10. Can I meal-prep this for the week?

Definitely—cook ahead, store separately, and refresh in the air fryer before serving.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Chicken brings together crackling crust and succulent meat in a healthier, easy-to-execute form. Whether for weekday dinners or casual brunches, it’s customizable, flavorful, and satisfying. With crisp results and simple cleanup, it’s a winning recipe that elevates your chicken game effortlessly.

Jane