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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Juicy, Golden, and Guilt-Free

Three pieces of golden brown, crispy air fryer fried chicken resting on a white plate near a window.
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You can achieve that classic, satisfying crunch of Southern fried chicken using your air fryer. This recipe uses a buttermilk soak for extra juicy meat and a seasoned coating for maximum crispiness, all with significantly less oil. It is an easy weeknight chicken meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • Cooking spray (oil of choice)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Mix to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the juiciest air fryer chicken.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This is your seasoned coating.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not wipe it dry.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere. For extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken back into the remaining buttermilk for a second, quick dip, then coat again in the flour mixture.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  6. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray. This helps achieve the golden color.
  8. Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
  9. After flipping, spray the second side lightly with cooking spray. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let the crispy air fryer fried chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For the best results and maximum crispiness, ensure your chicken pieces are patted slightly dry after the buttermilk soak before the first flour dredge.
  • If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness around 18 minutes.
  • To mimic KFC-style flavor, increase the amount of white pepper in your flour mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/

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