Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food favorite across the globe. Who can resist those irresistible crunchy outer coatings enveloping tender, juicy chicken? Traditionally though, enjoying fried chicken requires enduring a grease-laden fryer or skillet and the mess that comes with it. However, your air fryer allows you to skip all that while still achieving that crispy fried texture you crave. This easy air fryer fried chicken recipe produces chicken with all the flavor and crunch but a fraction of the fat and cleanup.
1. Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds of chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, legs and/or wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1⁄2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Canola oil spray
Instructions
Pat chicken pieces extremely dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl, pour buttermilk over top and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
In a second bowl, mix together flour and all the spices until well incorporated. Set aside.
Remove a few pieces of chicken at a time from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Press pieces firmly into the flour mixture, coating all sides.
Arrange floured chicken in air fryer basket, leaving some space in between pieces. Do not overcrowd. Spritz tops lightly with canola oil spray.
Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown, flipping chicken halfway through. Chicken breasts and wings may cook faster than thicker legs and thighs.
Check internal temperature of larger pieces with a meat thermometer, ensuring they reach 165°F. If needed, cook 2-5 minutes longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving. Repeat to cook remaining chicken.
This simple air fryer method allows you to skip the deep fryer without sacrificing the signature crispy, juicy quality of homemade fried chicken. Enjoy your chicken plain or season further with preferred spices once drained. Pair with classic southern sides for a satisfying down-home meal. Adjust air fryer temperature and cook times based on amount and size of chicken pieces.
