Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier take on a classic favorite, using an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, this chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for a delicious meal with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 (4-pound) fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces (2 breasts cut in half, 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
For Cooking:
- Spray olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces well with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place them in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Bread the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid, then thoroughly coat in the flour mixture. Place the breaded pieces on a clean plate or wire rack to rest briefly.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the chicken pieces in the basket ensuring they do not touch to allow proper air circulation. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Cook for 14 minutes, then flip the pieces, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperatures reach 165°F for white meat and 175°F for dark meat.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately alongside salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or any preferred sides for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use either a whole chicken cut into pieces or your preferred chicken parts.
- Buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a subtle flavor depth.
- Feel free to use your favorite fried chicken coating spice mix if desired.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model; always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- If you see any dry flour spots appearing during air frying, spray those areas lightly with oil to promote even browning.
- Store cooked fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken in about 1 1/2 inches of oil heated to 350°F in a cast iron skillet, frying each side for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
