Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of fried chicken but wants to avoid the excessive oil and mess that comes with traditional frying. This recipe delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness of classic fried chicken but with significantly less fat. The air fryer ensures an even cook, resulting in perfectly golden-brown chicken every time. The key ingredients, such as the buttermilk marinade and the seasoned flour coating, contribute to the delectable flavor and texture of this dish.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces. This ensures an even distribution of white and dark meat, catering to different taste preferences. Season the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper before marinating it in 2 cups of buttermilk. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor profile. For the coating, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s), 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of paprika. This mixture creates a flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Feel free to experiment with alternative seasonings, like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or dried herbs for a herby twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by thoroughly seasoning the chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the dish. Once seasoned, place the chicken in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour; however, for the best results, marinate overnight.
Next, prepare the coating. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This combination of spices ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated, then place them on a wire rack to rest while you prepare the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch to allow hot air to circulate around them. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to promote crispiness. Cook the chicken in two batches if necessary. Cook for 14 minutes, then use tongs to flip the pieces, spray lightly with oil again, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. The white meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, while the dark meat should reach 175°F, ensuring it’s tender and fully cooked.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing the Right Chicken Pieces: Opt for a whole fryer chicken and cut it into 10 pieces for even cooking and portion control.
- Maximizing Flavor in the Marinade: Marinate overnight to allow the buttermilk and spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Getting the Perfect Crunch with the Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture for a consistent crunch.
- Maintaining Moisture During Cooking: The buttermilk marinade helps keep the chicken juicy, even after air frying.
- Can I Use Boneless Chicken? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces cook faster.
- What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer? You can bake the chicken in a conventional oven, though the texture may differ slightly.
- How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level? Absolutely! Add more or less cayenne pepper to the coating mix based on your heat preference.
What to Serve With This Recipe
To complement your Air Fryer Fried Chicken, consider classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, which provide a comforting balance to the crispy chicken. Coleslaw and warm biscuits are also excellent choices, offering a mix of textures and flavors. For beverages, iced tea or lemonade make refreshing companions, cutting through the richness of the chicken. Additionally, homemade sauces such as ranch dressing or tangy BBQ sauce can elevate the dish, adding extra layers of flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your chicken isn’t as crispy as desired, ensure the pieces are adequately sprayed with oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer. Cooking in batches can help achieve the perfect crunch. Uneven cooking can be avoided by making sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size and not touching in the air fryer basket. If you encounter overcooked or undercooked pieces, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering all the flavor and crunch with less oil. By following this detailed recipe, you can achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sides, and bring a touch of comfort to your dining table with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces (2 breasts cut in half, 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
For the coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon season salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Spray olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Begin by thoroughly seasoning the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Submerge the seasoned chicken in a bowl filled with buttermilk, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of one hour, or for enhanced flavor, let it sit overnight.
- Bread the chicken: Prepare the breading mixture by combining all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid, and coat them generously in the flour mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or wire rack to rest briefly.
- Air-fry the chicken: If cooking an entire chicken, you will need to do this in two batches. Preheat your air fryer and spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow air circulation. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 14 minutes. Using tongs, flip the chicken, spray lightly with oil again, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken is done when the white meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the dark meat reaches 175°F (cooking the dark meat slightly longer makes it more tender and flavorful).
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 4- pound fryer chicken cut into 10 pieces (2 breasts cut in half, 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
For the coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon season salt such as Lawry’s
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Spray olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Begin by thoroughly seasoning the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Submerge the seasoned chicken in a bowl filled with buttermilk, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of one hour, or for enhanced flavor, let it sit overnight.
- Bread the chicken:
- Prepare the breading mixture by combining all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid, and coat them generously in the flour mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or wire rack to rest briefly.
- Air-fry the chicken:
- If cooking an entire chicken, you will need to do this in two batches. Preheat your air fryer and spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow air circulation. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 14 minutes. Using tongs, flip the chicken, spray lightly with oil again, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken is done when the white meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the dark meat reaches 175°F (cooking the dark meat slightly longer makes it more tender and flavorful).