Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbchicken
about 10 pieces*, $5.22
- 2 tspsmoked paprika
$0.20
- ½ tspblack pepper
$0.08
- 2 tspgarlic powder
$0.20
- 2 tsponion powder
$0.20
- 2 tsporegano
$0.20
- 1 tspcayenne pepper
$0.10
- 1 tbspsalt
$0.09
- 1 cbuttermilk**
$0.32
- 1egg
beaten, $0.67
- 2 call-purpose flour
$0.36
- ¼ ccornstarch
$0.24
- 2 tspbaking powder
$0.08
- 1 tspsalt
$0.03
- ½ tsponion powder
$0.05
- ½ tspgarlic powder
$0.05
- 2 ozcooking spray***
$0.62
Directions
- 1
Mix the smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, buttermilk, and egg in a large bowl.
- 2
Place chicken in the bowl and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
- 3
Preheat your air-fryer to 300°F. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Remove one piece of chicken from the brine, shake off the excess brine, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
- 4
Spray cooking oil in your air fryer basket until it is completely covered. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil until thoroughly covered. Cook for 20 minutes at 300°F.
- 5
Carefully flip the chicken pieces so as not to destroy the crust. Spray the top surface of the chicken again with cooking oil until thoroughly covered.
- 6
Cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature is 160°F. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Then try not to eat that crispy skin before serving. Forgive yourself if you fail miserably!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 9 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible crunch and juicy center of classic fried chicken without the deep-frying mess? This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love, achieving a perfectly crispy exterior and tender meat using your air fryer. It's a game-changer for anyone seeking restaurant-quality results right in their own kitchen.
The magic here lies in the air fryer, which achieves that signature crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside, all with significantly less oil than traditional methods. Our expertly seasoned flour coating, enhanced with cornstarch and baking powder, ensures a beautiful golden-brown finish and exceptional crunch. This thoughtful combination eliminates common pitfalls like soggy breading or dry chicken, creating a dish that truly works.
Prepare for a delightful sensory experience: each bite of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken offers a satisfying, audible crunch, giving way to incredibly tender, moist chicken infused with a rich blend of savory spices. You'll notice the warmth of smoked paprika, aromatic garlic and onion powder, and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper, all balanced beautifully. This dish proves that exceptional flavor and texture don't require a vat of oil, making it an ideal, indulgent centerpiece for your next brunch gathering.
This recipe offers a flexible foundation for flavor. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level, reducing it for a milder taste or increasing it for more heat. While the recipe uses 10 pieces of chicken, you can select your favorite cuts, ensuring they fit well in your air fryer basket for even cooking. You could also try adding a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning blend for an aromatic twist.
Perfect for a hearty brunch spread or a celebratory meal, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Imagine serving it alongside a fresh coleslaw, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.