Air Fryer Fried Chicken
A healthier twist on classic fried chicken, featuring juicy, flavorful pieces with a crispy coating.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Trim any excess fat and cut into serving sizes. Can substitute with thighs or drumsticks.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup buttermilk For best results, use buttermilk straight from the carton.
Starch/Pasta
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Unbleached flour is preferred; mix in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika Use fresh spices for better flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust according to taste.
Other
- as needed spray cooking spray For spraying the air fryer basket and coating the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken by placing it in a bowl and covering it with buttermilk. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coating
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drain, and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
- Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider enhancing flavor by adding hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. Customize spices to your preference.