Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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This amazing Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe lets you indulge in the deep-fried traditional taste of fried chicken without any of the guilt. Not only does this recipe pack a flavor punch, but it also boasts something that deep-fried chicken can’t – it uses way less oil!

Less oil means less mess, less guilt, and more room for seconds! Just like with this Air Fryer Whole Chicken, your kitchen won’t turn into an oil-splattered battleground of deep frying, and your waistline will thank you too.

Everyone loves fried chicken in air fryer. From picky kids to foodie parents, and even those on a tight budget, air fryer fried chicken is a family-friendly recipe that will bring smiles to faces around the dinner table without putting a dent in your wallet.

Just like with these easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs and this Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken recipes.

Crispy air fryer chicken is crunchy, juicy, and seasoned with authentic southern spices that’ll have you saying, “Y’all” faster than greased lightning. It’s a lighter and healthier version of traditional fried chicken that tastes just as amazing! 

Why Make This Recipe

• Healthier – Much less oil is needed than traditional fried chicken.
• Budget Friendly – Making fried chicken in air fryer is more affordable than buying fast food or restaurant fried chicken.
• Kid-approved – Like with this Air Fryer Fish and Chips, kids love fried chicken, so the whole family will be raving about this dish. 
• Versatile – You can change up the spices to suit your taste. It can also be served hot or cold.
• Faster and less messy – Whip this up in less time and with less mess than classic fried chicken.
• And if you like chicken then please do check out these awesome Air Fryer Chicken Recipes. Sooooo much choice.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and tender even after air frying. However, if you prefer other cuts, like chicken breasts or drumsticks, you can use them too. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 2 ½ cups of regular milk with 2 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and curdles. Check out my How To Make Buttermilk post for all the details.
• Flour – All-purpose flour is the coating that gives the chicken its crispy outer layer. You can use other types of flour for the flour mixture if you like, such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour.

• Poultry Seasoning – This is a delightful blend of spices like thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram. If you can’t find poultry seasoning, you can create your own by combining these individual spices.
• Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be a substitute, but you’ll miss out on that smokiness.
• Onion Powder – Adds a savory onion flavor. If you don’t have it, use a bit of onion salt but reduce additional added salt.
• Garlic Powder – Provides a delicious garlic kick.
• Chili Powder – Adds a touch of heat and spice to the seasoning. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

• Cayenne – Adds extra heat and spiciness. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce or omit this ingredient.
• Salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of the chicken. You can use sea salt or kosher salt as well.
• Black Pepper – Provides a mild, peppery kick and complements the other spices. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal, but pre-ground pepper works too.
• Vegetable oil or calorie-controlled cooking spray – You’ll need a little oil to help crisp up the chicken in the air fryer. Use a neutral oil, or if you’re trying to save on calories, opt for a calorie-controlled cooking spray.
• Butter (for skillet and oven version) – Use regular salted butter or unsalted butter.

Ready to make this crispy fried chicken in the air fryer? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

Related Link: Air Fried French Fries.

How To Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken 

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Start preparing the chicken thighs by rinsing the chicken and patting them dry. Add to a mixing bowl and cover all the pieces with 2 cups of buttermilk. Soak in the refrigerator for 4- 24 hours.
2. 30 minutes prior to cooking, move chicken from the fridge to the counter to warm up to room temperature.
3. Prepare the flour mixture. Put the flour and all seasonings in a medium bowl and pour in the remaining half cup of buttermilk. Mix with a fork until slightly lumpy.
4. Working with 4 pieces of chicken thighs at a time, thoroughly coat each piece with the breading on both sides, then set aside on a plate. 
5. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
6. Place breaded chicken in an Air Fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray with oil.
7. Cook for 10-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
8. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time, lightly spray with oil again if needed.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

How To Make Fried Chicken On Stovetop And Oven

1. Start preparing the chicken thighs by rinsing the chicken and patting them dry. Add to a mixing bowl, cover all the pieces with 2 cups of buttermilk. Soak in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.
2. 30 minutes prior to cooking, move chicken from the fridge to the counter so it comes up to room temperature.
3. Prepare the breading. Put the flour and all seasonings in a medium bowl and pour in the remaining half cup of buttermilk. Mix with a fork until slightly lumpy.
4. Working with four pieces of chicken thighs at a time, thoroughly coat each piece with the breading on both sides, then set aside on a plate. 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 177 degrees C. 
2. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil and 5 tablespoons of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.  
3. Add 4 pieces of chicken at a time to the oil, fry for 3 minutes on each side, checking occasionally to make sure the chicken isn’t getting too brown.  Note: the chicken will NOT be thoroughly cooked yet.
4. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.

Expert Tips

• Preheat your Air Fryer before cooking for the best results.
• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only imparts great flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. For best results, let the chicken soak in the buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator.
• If looking to cut calories even more, remove the skin from the chicken thighs before breading. Just know the breading may not stick as well to the chicken without the skin. 
• I like using homemade poultry seasoning but feel free to use a store-bought one.

• Don’t let the chicken sit long once coated in flour, or it will become soggy. 
• Shake off excess flour before air frying.
• Use parchment paper to help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Poke holes in the paper to allow air to continue to circulate around.  
• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on make and model, so I recommend shooting for a cook time of 12 minutes, then checking for doneness with an instant-read digital thermometer.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Always check chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C. 

Delicious Variations

• Use Other Chicken Cuts – Air fryer fried chicken breast is a great alternative to chicken thighs. You can also use drumsticks or wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken – Toss the air-fried chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce or a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for a tangy and spicy twist on classic fried chicken.
• Southern BBQ Chicken – Rub the chicken with your favorite BBQ seasoning or sauce before air frying, giving it that classic smoky BBQ flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Mix garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese into the flour coating for a mouthwatering garlic Parmesan flavor.

Prep and Storage

• Prep Ahead – Allow time for the chicken to marinate before cooking. Also, set the chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Storage – Store leftover chicken in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 5 days. 
• Freeze – Follow these handy tips below for how to freeze:
  • Let the thighs cool down, then transfer into these very handy Ziploc freezer bags.
  • Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags.
  • Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer.
  • Store in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Thaw – remove chicken from the freezer the night before needed and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat – Reheat fried chicken in air fryer at 370 degrees F / 188 degrees C for about 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature before serving. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

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• Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken.
• Air Fryer Chicken And Waffles.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
• Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
• Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
• Fried Chicken Legs.
• Get my complete list of Air Fryer Recipes.

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes.
• Air Fryer French Fries.
• Southern Butter Beans.
• 5 Minute Remoulade Sauce.

Recommended Tools

• You need an awesome Air Fryer.
• A instant read thermometer to make sure your fish is cooked through.
• An easy to use oil spray bottle.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points 

If you replace the oil with a calorie-controlled cooking spray, there are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.

Top Pick : Air Fryer Accessory

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