Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving crispy, golden fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying? This air fryer fried chicken recipe is the answer! It’s healthier, easy to make, and every bite is packed with flavor. Follow this recipe to achieve perfectly seasoned chicken with that irresistible crunch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts) – bone-in or boneless, your choice
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For Cooking:

• Cooking spray

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce.
2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for more tender chicken).

Step 2: Create the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and all the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper).
2. Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
3. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
3. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray for a crispy finish.
4. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

1. Use Buttermilk for Tenderness: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer: This ensures even cooking and gives the chicken that golden, crispy texture.
3. Don’t Skip the Spray: A light coating of oil spray mimics the deep-fried crunch without the excess grease.
4. Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat leftovers, air fry for 5–7 minutes at 350°F to regain the crispy texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your air fryer fried chicken with these classic sides for a complete meal:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Mac and cheese

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Final Thoughts

This air fryer fried chicken recipe is proof that you don’t need to deep fry to enjoy deliciously crispy chicken. With its tender interior and crunchy exterior, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Try this recipe today and make fried chicken night healthier and hassle-free!