If you’re craving the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, air fryer fried chicken is the perfect solution. With the air fryer, you can achieve a crunchy, flavorful crust and juicy, tender meat—all without the excess oil.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through how to make crispy, Southern-style air fryer fried chicken, complete with a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned coating that mimics the texture and flavor of deep-fried chicken.
1. Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2-3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a mix of drumsticks and thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Buttermilk Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Seasoned Coating
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cleaning your chicken pieces. Rinse the chicken under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning and batter stick better. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Make the Buttermilk Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (if you’re adding a mild kick), garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Stir the mixture to combine thoroughly. Place your chicken pieces in the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, making it juicy and flavorful.
Prepare the Seasoned Coating: In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of cornstarch (for extra crispiness), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). The cornstarch is key for getting that super crispy, light coating that mimics the texture of deep-fried chicken but without the oil.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure each piece is fully coated. For an even crunchier result, you can dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture again (double-dipping). This extra step gives you an amazing crispy texture.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully. Make sure the air fryer basket is clean and ready for cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the chicken so that the hot air can circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden-brown, crispy exterior. If you like extra crispiness, you can cook it for a few more minutes at the end.
Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
2. Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
Use Buttermilk for Tenderness: The key to juicy, tender fried chicken is the buttermilk marinade. The acid in the buttermilk breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender while also infusing flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor.
Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier exterior, double-dip the chicken—first in the buttermilk, then in the seasoned flour mixture. This step helps create an extra crispy coating that’s almost as satisfying as traditional deep-frying.
Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent the chicken from crisping evenly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures the hot air circulates around each piece and creates a perfectly crispy exterior.
Spray the Chicken with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture similar to deep-fried chicken, even without the use of excessive oil.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s fully cooked while keeping it moist inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
3. What to Eat With Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some of my personal favorite dishes to serve alongside it:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: There’s nothing like the combination of crispy fried chicken with rich, creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth potatoes balance out the crunch of the chicken, creating the perfect comfort meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a bit of bite to cut through the richness of the fried chicken. The creaminess of the slaw complements the crispiness of the chicken beautifully.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken. Its slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb are a great match for the savory chicken. Add a touch of honey or butter for an extra treat.
Collard Greens: The slightly bitter, earthy taste of collard greens offers a perfect contrast to the fried chicken’s rich, crispy exterior. They add a healthy, savory element to the meal that balances out the richness.
Fried Green Tomatoes: If you want to go full Southern, serve some fried green tomatoes on the side. Their tangy flavor and crispy coating make them an excellent companion to the fried chicken.
Biscuits: Light, buttery biscuits are another perfect side for Southern fried chicken. You can use them to soak up any leftover gravy or serve them with a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.
This Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe gives you all the crispy, juicy goodness of traditional fried chicken with a fraction of the oil. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, this recipe delivers that Southern fried chicken taste you crave—without the guilt.
