Air Fryer Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food reimagined for modern kitchens. Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with a crispy, crunchy coating that rivals deep-fried versions — yet it’s cooked with minimal oil! This recipe gives you all the traditional Southern-fried flavors and textures but without the mess and extra calories from deep frying.
What makes this recipe even more delightful is that it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for a weekend family feast. The air fryer locks in moisture, ensuring every piece of chicken remains juicy on the inside while crisping beautifully on the outside. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance between indulgence and health. It satisfies that deep craving for fried chicken without needing a vat of oil. The air fryer technology ensures a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Plus, there’s no lingering fried smell in the kitchen — just the mouthwatering aroma of well-seasoned chicken.
Another reason I adore it is its versatility — you can play with spice levels, use different marinades, and even swap in boneless chicken for a quicker meal. Cleanup is easy, and the results are consistently delicious every time.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Healthier than deep-fried: Uses 80–90% less oil but delivers the same crispiness.
- Crispy perfection: The air fryer circulates hot air for even browning and crunch.
- Juicy inside: The buttermilk marinade locks in moisture and flavor.
- Easy cleanup: No greasy splatters or oil disposal required.
- Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time: 2–4 hours or overnight)
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes (active)
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Southern Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or drumsticks, breasts, or a mix)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation Method:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor and tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder.
- Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Lightly shake off excess.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Spray the tops with a little oil spray.
- Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray again after flipping for extra crunch.
- Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- A side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes
- Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread
- A drizzle of honey or hot sauce for extra flair
Pair it with iced tea or lemonade for a truly Southern experience.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- Double-dip method: For extra crunch, dip chicken back into buttermilk and then flour again before air frying.
- Use cornstarch: It’s key for that light, crispy texture.
- Preheat your air fryer: This ensures immediate searing for crisp coating.
- Let it rest: Resting prevents steam from softening the crust.
Variations
1. Spicy Nashville Style
Brush cooked chicken with a mix of melted butter, cayenne, paprika, and brown sugar for a fiery Nashville-inspired kick.
2. Honey Garlic Fried Chicken
Drizzle air-fried chicken with a sticky honey-garlic glaze for a sweet-savory flavor burst.
3. Buttermilk Ranch Fried Chicken
Add ranch seasoning to your flour mixture for a tangy, herby twist.
4. Gluten-Free Version
Use rice flour and cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
5. Boneless Chicken Tenders
Use chicken tenders or boneless thighs — reduce cooking time to 15–18 minutes.
Freezing and Storage
To Store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until crispy again.
To Freeze:
- Freeze cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer (preferably 4-quart or larger)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (to check internal temperature)
- Cooking spray bottle
Conclusion
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a modern twist on a timeless classic. It offers everything you love about traditional fried chicken — crispy skin, juicy meat, and mouthwatering flavor — without the excess oil and mess. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making it a must-have recipe in every home cook’s collection. Whether it’s a family dinner, weekend indulgence, or picnic favorite, this air fryer version will always impress and satisfy.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food reimagined for modern kitchens. Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with a crispy, crunchy coating that rivals deep-fried versions — yet it’s cooked with minimal oil!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Coating:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken : In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor and tenderness).
-
Step 2: Prepare the Coating : In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Lightly shake off excess.
-
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer : Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
-
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken : Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd). Spray the tops with a little oil spray. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray again after flipping for extra crunch. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Step 5: Rest and Serve : Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and crispiness.
