Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a game-changer for anyone craving crispy, juicy fried chicken without all the oil and excess calories of traditional frying methods. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that signature golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist, all with far less oil. The result is a healthier version of fried chicken that still delivers on taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for a meal on the go, or simply craving comfort food, this air fryer fried chicken offers a lighter way to enjoy a classic dish.
What makes Air Fryer Fried Chicken so amazing is its ability to mimic the crispy, crunchy exterior of deep-fried chicken without the need for submerging the chicken in hot oil. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the chicken, which crisps up the coating while locking in moisture. The breading is typically made with a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and spices, giving the chicken that familiar savory crunch we all love. Plus, the air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making it a quick and easy option for a delicious meal.
One of the key elements to making the best Air Fryer Fried Chicken is marinating the chicken in buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute) for at least an hour before cooking. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while also allowing the breading to adhere better. After marinating, the chicken is dredged in a flavorful mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. This coating provides the perfect crispy crunch while keeping the chicken moist and juicy on the inside. You can customize the seasoning to your liking by adjusting the spices—whether you like it mild or spicy, the seasoning options are endless.
What makes Air Fryer Fried Chicken stand out is its convenience and versatility. Unlike traditional frying, which requires a pot of oil and constant supervision, the air fryer simplifies the process, with little to no oil needed. This also means less mess to clean up afterward. The chicken can be made with or without skin, and the recipe can easily be adjusted for different cuts of chicken, whether you’re using breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep—simply cook a batch of fried chicken and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. When reheated in the air fryer, the chicken maintains its crispy texture, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika works well)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for extra crispiness)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you have time). The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and ensures the breading sticks.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks well. For extra crispy chicken, you can double dip by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the breading mixture again.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded—air needs to circulate around the chicken for it to cook properly. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken is done when the coating is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving – based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- WW Points: 6 SmartPoints per serving (depending on the specific brands of ingredients used)
Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken Works:
- Healthier than Traditional Fried Chicken: The air fryer cooks the chicken with little to no oil, dramatically reducing the fat content compared to deep frying. This makes Air Fryer Fried Chicken a much lighter alternative, while still achieving that delicious crispy exterior and tender interior you crave.
- Crispy and Juicy: Thanks to the air fryer’s circulating hot air, your chicken gets wonderfully crispy without drying out. The skin (if left on) crisps up beautifully, while the meat inside stays juicy and moist. The result is perfectly cooked fried chicken every time.
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional frying, which requires a pot of hot oil and can create a mess, the air fryer is much simpler to use. You don’t have to worry about oil splatter or constantly watching the chicken. Plus, it cooks faster—usually in about 25-30 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces, depending on the size.
- Customizable Flavor: One of the best things about Air Fryer Fried Chicken is that you can customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or savory, the options are endless. Add more cayenne for heat, use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or try adding a mix of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Air Fryer Fried Chicken is great for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Reheat it in the air fryer to maintain its crispy texture—just a few minutes will do the trick!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have a large batch, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use Skin-On Chicken: While you can use skinless chicken breasts or thighs, the skin helps achieve that fried chicken crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken, but the results may not be as crispy.
- Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spraying the chicken with cooking oil or using a non-stick cooking spray will help the breading crisp up nicely. Be careful not to overdo it, though—just a light coating will do the job.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
