Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

6 servings
Crispy, juicy, Southern fried chicken made with buttermilk in the air fryer so good it tastes like it came from the deep fryer!

Ingredients

  • bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
    3 lb
  • buttermilk
    1 ½ c
  • eggs
    2 large
  • all-purpose flour
    2 c
  • paprika
    3 tsp
  • garlic powder
    2 tsp
  • onion powder
    2 tsp
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • olive oil spray

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.

  2. 2

    In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined.

  3. 3

    In a second shallow bowl, add the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and whisk well.

  4. 4

    Using tongs or your hands, dip each piece of the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the buttermilk, then roll it in the flour, covering it completely. Set on a baking sheet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

  5. 5

    Spray all sides of the chicken pieces with olive oil spray making sure to coat it entirely. Any missed parts will stay white when air fried.

  6. 6

    Place 4-5 pieces of chicken in the bottom of the air fryer basket, or as many that fit in your air fryer basket or oven in a single layer.

  7. 7

    Cook for 15-20 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes until 165 degrees internally.

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

40 min6 servings558 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible crunch and juicy interior of Southern fried chicken without the deep-frying mess? Our Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers all the classic flavor and texture, made easily in your air fryer.

The magic of this recipe lies in how the air fryer achieves an incredible crispness, transforming humble bone-in chicken into a golden-brown marvel. Meanwhile, a luxurious buttermilk soak ensures every bite of chicken is wonderfully tender and moist, tasting remarkably like a traditional deep-fried version without the added oil.

You're in for a real treat with this air fryer fried chicken. Each piece emerges with an irresistibly golden-brown, crispy coating, yielding to incredibly juicy and flavorful meat beneath. The generous blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper infuses the chicken with that iconic Southern savory taste. It’s an experience that truly satisfies those fried chicken cravings, offering a delicious alternative to traditional methods.

While this recipe features classic bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, you can easily adapt it. Experiment with boneless cuts, though cooking times will vary. Feel free to adjust the spice levels; a pinch of cayenne pepper could add a welcome kick, or you can tailor the amounts of garlic and onion powder to your preference for a milder profile. This recipe is wonderfully versatile for your preferred spice preference.

This Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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