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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite by using an air fryer for a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture, the chicken comes out juicy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • ½ whole chicken cut into separate pieces (breast, thigh, wing, and leg)
  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • ½ cup buttermilk

Seasoning and Coating

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Other

  • Oil for spraying (canola or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  2. Prepare the seasoned flour coating. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the air fryer basket. Line the air fryer basket with a parchment liner designed for air fryers to prevent sticking and reduce breading loss.
  4. Coat the chicken pieces. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, coating all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then arrange the coated pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch for optimal crispiness.
  5. Start air frying. Close the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 390°F (199°C) and the timer for 25 minutes. Begin the cooking process.
  6. Flip and spray halfway through cooking. After 13 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and use a spray bottle to lightly coat any visible dry flour spots on the chicken with oil. Flip each piece over, spray the other side with oil as well, then close the basket and continue cooking for the remaining 12 minutes.
  7. Check doneness. Once finished, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken using a quick-read thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked and done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook further to achieve desired crispiness.

Notes

  • Do not overlap chicken pieces in the air fryer; spacing allows hot air to circulate and crisp the chicken evenly.
  • Spray lightly with oil only on the flour spots to avoid dry taste; the oil helps the crust crisp and brown.
  • Some breading loss is normal; using parchment liners reduces this significantly.
  • Always place parchment liners in the basket before the chicken to avoid them catching in the fan and causing hazards.
  • Cooking times may vary by air fryer brand; rely on a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
  • Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 370°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Use chicken pieces with skin on for best adhesion and crispy texture; skinless pieces may not yield the same results.
  • Adjust hot sauce amount if sensitive to heat or using a spicier brand.
  • Suggested tools include air fryer parchment liners, an oil spray bottle, tongs for flipping, and a quick-read meat thermometer.

Keywords: air fryer fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, healthy fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, air fryer recipes, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken-recipe/