This Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a healthier take on the classic fried chicken, giving you all the crispy, juicy goodness without the extra calories and grease. By using an air fryer, you get a golden, crunchy crust while cutting down on the oil. The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful, and the result is a deliciously crispy chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and so satisfying.
The best part? You won’t miss the deep-fried version at all. With the Air Fryer, you can get that crispy, crunchy exterior and juicy interior while using much less oil, making it much lighter than traditional fried chicken. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s a great alternative for anyone on a lower-carb or healthier-eating plan.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 cup whole wheat or regular flour (for breading)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl and make sure it’s fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour and breadcrumbs. You can also add extra seasonings to the flour mixture for more flavor, like more paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of salt.
- Bread the Chicken:
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Gently press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the chicken with olive oil. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed cauliflower, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Total Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 4g
- WW SmartPoints: 5 (per serving)
This Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy crispy, flavorful fried chicken without all the extra grease. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, while the air fryer delivers that signature crunch. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or weekend meals with family and friends.
