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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 375F (190C), allowing the appliance to warm up for several minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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