Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe for Homestyle Delight

Crafting crispy air fryer fried chicken brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Juicy meat meets golden-brown crunch in this game-changing recipe.

Southern comfort finds its modern twist with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

Home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Perfectly seasoned pieces emerge from the air fryer with irresistible texture and taste.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner that sparks smiles around the table.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken That’s Crisp Without the Oil

• Air frying slashes oil usage by up to 75%, delivering guilt-free golden-brown chicken without deep-frying's extra calories.
• Simple spice blend creates maximum taste with minimal effort, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Easily marinate chicken ahead of time and cook quickly, transforming busy weeknights into stress-free, delicious dinner experiences.

Ingredients You Need for Air Fryer Fried Chicken Success

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and creates a tangy base for marination, best when full-fat and fresh.
• Hot Sauce: Adds spicy kick and depth of flavor, choose according to heat preference.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Provide crispy exterior and light texture, cornstarch helps achieve extra crunchiness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall chicken flavor, freshly ground recommended.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add savory depth and aromatic notes to the coating.
• Paprika: Contributes color and mild sweet pepper flavor, can use sweet or smoked variety.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces heat and warmth, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.

• Chicken Pieces: Best with bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for maximum juiciness and flavor.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking in air fryer basket.

How to Cook Air Fryer Fried Chicken That Stays Juicy

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Ensure every piece gets completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for maximum flavor absorption, allowing at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper taste.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

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

Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken For Cooking

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each piece generously in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating.

Step 4: Warm Air Fryer

Activate air fryer and set temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow 3-5 minutes for complete preheating.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken

Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil. Position chicken pieces in single layer without overcrowding. Spray or brush chicken tops with additional oil for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Cook chicken for 25-30 minutes. Flip pieces midway through cooking process. Ensure golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving. Pair with preferred dipping sauces or complementary side dishes.

Tips for Crisp Skin and Even Cooking in Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Marinate Deeply for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for up to 12 hours to achieve incredibly tender and flavorful results.
• Ensure Crispy Coating Success: Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken pieces, creating a thick, even layer that will transform into a crunchy, golden exterior during air frying.
• Prevent Overcrowding for Even Cooking: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with space between them, ensuring each piece gets proper hot air circulation for uniform crispiness.
• Oil Spray Trick for Perfect Browning: Lightly spray both sides of coated chicken with cooking spray or brush with oil to help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch.
• Temperature Check is Crucial: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (75C) internally, guaranteeing both safety and perfectly cooked meat.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Fried Chicken Without Drying

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat air fryer to 375F. Place chicken pieces in a single layer and warm for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even reheating.
• Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F to guarantee food safety.
• Skip microwave reheating, as it will make the crispy coating soggy and ruin the chicken's original texture and crunchiness.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Create a flavor explosion with homemade ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo that perfectly complement the crispy chicken's bold seasonings.
• Crush the heat with ice-cold sweet tea, crisp pilsner beer, or a citrusy lemonade that balance the chicken's spicy and savory profile.
• Elevate the meal with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or crispy waffle fries that provide delightful textural contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Cut through the richness with a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir that refreshes the palate between bites.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Variations for Flavor Seekers

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Buttermilk Alternative: Swap buttermilk with unsweetened coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to create a tangy marinade for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the coating mixture for a more complex and aromatic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional flour to create a low-carbohydrate breading that's keto-friendly and crunchy.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken FAQs for Meals

• Why should I use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat juicier and more flavorful. Its acidic nature helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier exterior.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure the cornstarch you use is also gluten-free to maintain the crispy texture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should be golden brown and have no pink meat inside when cut.

• Why add cornstarch to the coating?

Cornstarch helps create an extra crispy and light coating by absorbing moisture and creating a barrier between the chicken and the flour. It makes the exterior crunchier and helps the seasonings adhere better.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Southern-style air fryer fried chicken brings Southern comfort right to home kitchens with irresistible golden crunch. Perfectly seasoned and crunchy chicken emerges with less oil and incredible flavor that will make family dinner an instant classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Wet Ingredients:

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

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce blend, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat.
2. Create a dynamic seasoning mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, and an aromatic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow container.
3. Carefully extract chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Generously dredge each piece in the spice-infused flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a uniform, crispy coating.
4. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 375F (190C), allowing the appliance to warm up for several minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Prepare the air fryer basket with a light mist of cooking oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray or brush the chicken’s surface with additional oil to enhance crispiness.
6. Cook the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes, rotating pieces midway through the cooking process. Ensure the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking, permitting juices to redistribute. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauces or complementary side dishes for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Maximize marinade flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the buttermilk mixture for extra depth.
• Ensure crispy coating by letting the dredged chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before air frying, allowing the flour to adhere better.
• For gluten-free option, swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and coating technique.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium seasoning or cutting salt quantity in half, balancing with additional herbs and spices for flavor intensity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg