Craving fried chicken but want to skip the extra grease and mess? This air fryer fried chicken recipe is a lighter take on the classic, delivering all the crunch and juiciness you love. With a perfectly seasoned coating and the magic of air frying, you’ll have crispy chicken that’s both healthier and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Olive oil spray
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the tops with olive oil.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
Tips
- Extra Crunch: Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil midway through cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Customize the spice blend to suit your taste.
This air fryer fried chicken is a guilt-free way to enjoy a comfort food classic. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or fresh veggies for a complete and satisfying meal!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the tops with olive oil.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
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