Air fryer fried chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. It uses hot air circulation to cook the chicken with a crispy outer layer, similar to deep frying, but with significantly less oil. Here’s a basic recipe for air fryer fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray or oil for lightly greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can double-coat for extra crispiness by dipping the chicken back in the buttermilk and then in the flour mixture again.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer model. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Serve your air fryer fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer fried chicken with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
