If you have been craving that crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken but want a lighter, less messy approach, then this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pieces of chicken with a perfectly seasoned, golden crust that’s cooked to perfection without deep frying. This recipe captures all the magic of classic fried chicken while using the air fryer to cut down on oil and cleanup, making it easier than ever to enjoy a beloved comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this method guarantees a mouthwatering result every time.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients might be the simplest step, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that irresistible combination of flavor, crunch, and juiciness. From the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the perfectly spiced flour mix that forms the crispy coating, every element matters.

4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces: Using bone-in pieces ensures juicy meat and traditional flavor.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural taste of the chicken with clean seasoning.
1 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick of warmth and depth.
2 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds a subtle tang for extra flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base for the crispy coating that locks in juices.
1 tbsp seasoned salt: Gives the coating a balanced, savory seasoning.
1 tsp kosher salt (for the flour mix): Helps to season the crust thoroughly.
1 tsp ground black pepper (for the flour mix): Provides a gentle heat within the crispy shell.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses the coating with warm, aromatic flavor.
1 tbsp paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky undertone.
Spray olive oil: Helps the crust crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without excess grease.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry and then seasoning them with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This simple seasoning kickstarts the flavor, ensuring each bite is seasoned right from the inside out before the marinade works its magic.

Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk

Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let it soak in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential because the acidity in the buttermilk breaks down protein, making the chicken incredibly tender and imparting a slight tang that complements the crispy coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Flour Coating

While your chicken is marinating, mix the flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together in a shallow dish. This blend is your secret to that crave-worthy golden crust, packed with balanced savory notes and a pop of color.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once marinated, remove the chicken pieces and dredge each one in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour so the coating is even but not clumpy. This step ensures the flour sticks just right, so your chicken fries up crispy and not cakey.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare Basket

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and give the basket a light spray with olive oil. This little trick prevents sticking and helps the chicken develop that irresistible crispiness.

Step 6: Arrange and Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken in a single layer inside the basket and lightly spray each piece with olive oil. Air fry for 14 minutes, then flip the pieces over, spray again, and continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown, crunchy, and the chicken is cooked through.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges served on the side elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of color and flavor that brightens the richness of the fried chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments create a well-rounded meal that complements the tender crunch of the air-fried chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping. If you want to jazz it up further, make sandwiches with soft buns, pickles, and slaw for a delightful twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover air fryer fried chicken tastes fantastic the next day, too. Store your cooked pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve flavor and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps maintain crispiness and can be kept frozen for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped. This method keeps your chicken tasting fresh, never soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that breasts will cook a bit faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust your air frying time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

While not mandatory, marinating in buttermilk makes a huge difference in tenderness and adds a subtle tang that deepens the flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can be beneficial.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. You can add cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to your flour mixture for an extra kick that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.

Do I need to spray the chicken with olive oil during air frying?

Spraying helps the crust develop that signature golden-brown color and crunch while preventing the chicken from drying out. You can use other light oils, but olive oil works well for crispness and flavor.

What’s the best way to know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures safety without cutting into the chicken prematurely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try. It’s simple, quick, and healthier than traditional fried chicken without giving up even a shred of that incredible flavor we all love. Give it a go for your next meal, and I promise you’ll be hooked on the juicy tenderness and crispy perfection every time. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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4 from 35 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces cooked to perfection using an air fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, this healthier take on classic fried chicken offers the crispy texture you love without the excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
1 tsp kosher salt (for seasoning chicken)
1 tsp ground black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
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

Olive oil spray

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper evenly over the chicken pieces to season.
Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken into a large bowl and pour 2 cups of buttermilk over the pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating. Shake off any excess flour.
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange and spray chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken lightly with olive oil to promote crispness.
Air fry: Cook the chicken at 350°F for 14 minutes. Then flip each piece over, spray with olive oil again, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Notes

For best results, ensure the chicken pieces are dry before applying the flour coating to encourage the crust to stick better.
The buttermilk marinade can be left overnight for extra tender and flavorful chicken.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness and avoid undercooked chicken.
You can swap paprika for smoked paprika for a smoky flavor variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American