Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

I used to think that truly crispy fried chicken could only be achieved by deep-frying, but this recipe proves that wrong. The air fryer works its magic to create chicken that’s golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

I love how easy this recipe is, and it’s so much healthier than traditional fried chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a picnic or potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Crispy and Juicy: This fried chicken has the perfect texture – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep-frying, making it a healthier option.
• Versatile: This fried chicken is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special occasion meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Here’s what I use to make this delicious fried chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Whole Fryer Chicken: I like to use a whole fryer chicken cut into pieces, but you can also use individual chicken pieces.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To season the chicken before marinating.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

For the Coating:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our breading mixture.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds a blend of herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To season the breading.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of garlic flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken.
• Spray Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken in the air fryer.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for some heat.
• Herby Twist: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, to the breading mixture.
• Buttermilk Brine: For extra juicy chicken, you can brine the chicken in buttermilk overnight.
• Different Coating: Try using panko breadcrumbs or a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a different texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, I place them in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. I let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

I prepare the breading mixture by combining the flour, seasoned salt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. Then, I remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, shake off any excess, and dredge them in the breading mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. I place the breaded chicken pieces on a clean plate or wire rack to rest.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

I spray the basket of my air fryer with nonstick spray and place half of the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. I lightly spray the chicken with olive oil and cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for 14 minutes. Then, I flip the chicken, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, I let it rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving. I love serving this fried chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
• Rest Time: Allowing the chicken to rest before serving helps to keep it juicy.

How to Serve

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is delicious with all sorts of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing!
• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy coleslaw is a perfect complement to the crispy chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Storing: Store leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I bake this fried chicken instead of air frying it?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Can I freeze this fried chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked fried chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Fried Chicken. I hope you enjoy it!

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