This air fryer fried chicken recipe captures the crispy, flavorful essence of KFC-style chicken while being a healthier alternative. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, giving it a golden-brown crust without the excess oil.
With a simple marinade and a blend of spices, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
This recipe features chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy finish. The preparation takes about 30 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25 minutes, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs and drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or oil for spraying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy air fryer fried chicken with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 pieces
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
