Crispy Golden Air Fry Fried Chicken Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Crispy, golden air fry fried chicken has been my weekend obsession lately.

Friends always ask about my secret technique for achieving that perfect crunch.

Southern-style comfort meets modern kitchen convenience in this mouthwatering recipe.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between juicy meat and crackling exterior.

Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.

Pantry staples and a few smart tricks will help you nail this dish.

Let’s turn your air fryer into a flavor-packed culinary adventure that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Why Air Fry Fried Chicken Is Crispy And Quick

• Effortless Flavor Explosion: This air fryer fried chicken recipe delivers mouthwatering taste with minimal kitchen effort, transforming a classic dish into a quick and delicious meal that will impress everyone.
• Healthier Crispy Indulgence: By using an air fryer, you'll enjoy the same satisfying crunch of traditional fried chicken with significantly less oil, making it a guilt-free alternative to deep-frying that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or family meals, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be customized with various spice levels and dipping sauces.
• Time-Saving Cooking Hack: With a total preparation and cooking time of under an hour, this recipe offers maximum taste with minimal time investment, making it ideal for home cooks looking for efficient and delectable meal solutions.

Everything Needed For Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor, look for full-fat version for best results.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a spicy kick and enhances overall flavor, choose your preferred heat level.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior with light and crunchy texture, all-purpose flour works best.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that build deep savory flavor profile.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Adds warmth and mild heat, adjust cayenne for spice preference.

• Chicken Pieces: Main protein, bone-in or boneless work well, choose skin-on for extra crispiness.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve golden brown exterior and prevents sticking in air fryer basket.

Air Fry Fried Chicken Instructions Made Easy

Step 1: Create Zesty Buttermilk Bath

• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Chicken pieces

Pour buttermilk into a large mixing bowl. Splash in hot sauce and stir well. Submerge chicken completely in the tangy liquid. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Whip Up Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Combine all dry ingredients in a wide, shallow dish. Whisk thoroughly to create a perfectly seasoned blend that will give the chicken an irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Dredge and Prepare Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating that will crisp beautifully.

Step 4: Warm Up Air Fryer

Plug in your air fryer and set temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let it preheat for 3-5 minutes to create the perfect cooking environment for golden, crispy chicken.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken Strategically

Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil. Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee maximum crispiness. Give a light spray of oil over the chicken’s surface.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook chicken for 25-30 minutes. Flip pieces halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning. Chicken is ready when it reaches a gorgeous golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Plate with your favorite dipping sauces or classic Southern sides like coleslaw or mac and cheese. Enjoy the ultimate crispy, juicy air-fried chicken experience!

Pro Tips To Improve Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Boost Buttermilk Flavor: Add a splash of hot sauce or garlic powder to your buttermilk marinade for an extra kick of flavor that tenderizes and enhances the chicken's taste.
• Maximize Crispy Coating: Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even layer that ensures a super-crunchy exterior when air fried.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and avoid overcrowding to guarantee each piece gets perfectly crisp and doesn't stick to the basket.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F, ensuring juicy meat and preventing overcooking.
• Quick Cleanup Trick: Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper to catch drips and make cleaning up breeze after cooking.

Storing Air Fry Fried Chicken Without Trouble

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Fresh air-fried chicken stays delicious when stored properly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat refrigerated chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to restore its crispy exterior and warm interior, ensuring food safety and maximum flavor.
• Avoid freezing breaded air-fried chicken, as the coating may become soggy when thawed.
• For best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within the recommended time frame and always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Pairing Ideas For Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Zesty Sauce Companions: Whip up a tangy ranch or spicy buffalo dip that perfectly complements the crispy air-fried chicken. These sauces add an extra kick of flavor and moisture to each crunchy bite.
• Fresh Sidekick Selections: Pair the chicken with cool coleslaw, crisp green salad, or creamy mac and cheese. These sides balance the rich, savory chicken with refreshing and comforting textures.
• Wine and Beverage Match: Crack open a cold beer like a light lager or pale ale that cuts through the chicken's richness. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling rosé offers a delightful contrast to the spicy coating.
• Southern-Style Plate Partners: Serve with classic southern sides like buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or pickled vegetables to create a down-home meal that celebrates comfort food traditions.

Different Ways To Try Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Spicy Southern Style: Increase cayenne pepper and add chili powder to the coating for a fiery kick. Serve with cool ranch dressing to balance the heat.
• Herb-Crusted Classic: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour mixture. Create a fresh herb coating that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Blend ranch seasoning mix into the buttermilk marinade. Sprinkle additional ranch powder in the flour coating for an extra tangy ranch experience.
• Crispy Parmesan Crunch: Grate fresh parmesan cheese into the flour mixture. Add Italian seasoning for a cheesy, golden exterior that provides extra crispiness and rich flavor.

Air Fry Fried Chicken FAQs In One Place

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat incredibly juicy and soft. The acidity also helps the coating stick better, ensuring a crispier exterior.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free and check all seasoning labels.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking.

• What if my air fryer is small?

Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. A single layer ensures even cooking and crispy results. Don’t stack pieces, as this reduces air circulation and creates uneven cooking.

Air Fry Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern-style Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers golden, juicy perfection without excess oil. Crunchy buttermilk-marinated chicken pieces promise a delightful meal that brings comfort and Southern charm right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or cooking spray

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (3 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (3 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) paprika
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a tangy marinade by whisking buttermilk and hot sauce in a mixing container. Submerge the chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a flavor-enhancing period between 30 minutes to 12 hours.
2. Craft a zesty coating mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, and an aromatic blend of seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
3. Carefully extract the marinated chicken, allowing excess liquid to drain naturally. Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, crisp exterior.
4. Prepare the air fryer by setting the temperature to 375F (190C) and allowing it to warm up for 3-5 minutes, ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
5. Prevent sticking by lightly misting the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even crisping. Lightly spray or brush the chicken tops with additional oil for enhanced golden coloration.
6. Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pieces midway through the cooking process. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) and the exterior displays a rich, golden-brown hue.
7. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauces or accompanying side dishes for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with yogurt or plant-based milk for dairy-free alternatives, ensuring the same tangy marination process.
• Mix different spices like smoked paprika or herbs like thyme to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before marinating to help the coating adhere better and create extra crispy texture.
• Rest marinated chicken at room temperature for 15 minutes before coating to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots in the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg