Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Guilt-Free!
Craving that classic fried chicken taste but trying to keep things a little lighter? Look no further! This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch and juicy flavor you love, without all the grease. Forget about messy frying and hello to an easy, family-friendly meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Get ready to make the best “fried” chicken you’ve ever had… straight from your air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Crispy Perfection: Achieves that satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Alternative: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
- Easy Cleanup: No messy oil splatters to deal with!
- Economical: A cheap dinner for a family that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings) work best.
- Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and gives the coating something to cling to.
- Hot sauce: Adds a touch of flavor (optional, but recommended).
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper create a flavorful blend.
- Cooking spray: Essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Substitutions:
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Flour: Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option, but the texture will be slightly different.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using). Make sure all pieces are thoroughly covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer, the better for tenderness and flavor!
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, one at a time, and dredge them in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off any excess flour. This prevents clumping and soggy chicken.
- Preheat & Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches. Spray the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray. This is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Cook: Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer will result in steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches for best results.
- Spray Generously: Cooking spray is key to achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Don’t be shy!
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Spicy Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture.
- Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Herb-Infused Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the flour mixture for an herbaceous twist.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some classic sides.
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: A comforting and classic pairing that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
- Coleslaw: The cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: A simple and sweet side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy side that adds a touch of indulgence.
- Green Beans: A healthy and vibrant side that adds some color to the plate. You can even make air fryer green beans!
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
FAQ about Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
A: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the results won’t be quite as juicy. Bone-in, skin-on pieces are recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you do use chicken breasts, be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: Make sure to spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray before adding the chicken. You can also use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.
Q: Is Air Fryer Fried Chicken really healthier than traditional fried chicken?
A: Yes! Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, resulting in a lower-fat and lower-calorie meal. Making Air Fryer Meals is a great way to enjoy your favorite comfort foods in a healthier way.
Q: Can I use this recipe in a crockpot?
A: This recipe is specifically designed for the air fryer, and the results in a crockpot would be drastically different. For delicious crockpot meals, search for recipes specifically designed for slow cooking.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ready to ditch the deep fryer and embrace the magic of Air Fryer Fried Chicken? This recipe is a total game-changer for those craving that classic crispy, juicy flavor without all the grease. It’s the perfect easy healthy dinner for any night of the week, and a fantastic addition to your repertoire of air fryer recipes. Plus, it’s a total win for busy families looking for easy weeknight dinners.Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later! And be sure to leave a comment below letting me know how your Air Fryer Fried Chicken turned out. Subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Large bowl
- Shallow Dish
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
- 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings) works best
Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk helps tenderize and gives coating something to cling to
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional but recommended
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour forms base of crispy coating
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Others
- cooking spray essential for golden-brown, crispy exterior
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using). Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade one piece at a time, dredge in flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat thoroughly. Shake off excess flour.
- Preheat & Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place coated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray chicken pieces generously with cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Rest & Serve: Remove chicken and let rest a few minutes for juices to redistribute before serving.
