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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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