Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe: Golden & Flavorful!

Crispy, golden air fry fried chicken tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible crunch and juicy interior.

Southern-style cooking meets modern kitchen technology in this mouthwatering dish.

The secret lies in perfectly seasoned breading and precise air fryer temperatures.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Tender chicken emerges with a beautifully golden exterior that rivals traditional deep-frying methods.

No greasy mess means easier cleanup and a healthier meal option.

This recipe transforms an everyday protein into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will impress everyone at the dinner table.

Crispy Tips & Tasty Variations for Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Perfect Crispy Texture Hack: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum coating adherence and crunchier exterior.
• Buttermilk Marination Magic: Allow chicken to soak longer (up to 12 hours) for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat that falls off the bone.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or crispiness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for extra kick. For kids or sensitive palates, consider eliminating cayenne completely.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace flour mixture with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains delicious crispy coating while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Air Fry Fried Chicken in Style

• Southern Comfort Platter: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, and tangy coleslaw for a classic down-home meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Spicy Dipping Delights: Whip up some quick dipping sauces like zesty ranch, fiery sriracha mayo, or honey mustard to complement the chicken's bold, crispy coating.
• Picnic Perfect Spread: Pack the air-fried chicken in a cooler for outdoor adventures, serving alongside fresh cucumber salad, pickles, and soft dinner rolls for a portable feast that'll impress everyone.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, arrange on a large platter with various dipping sauces, and watch it disappear during movie nights or sports watching parties.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat version for richer results.
• Hot Sauce: Brings zesty heat and depth, select your favorite brand for personalized kick.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy, golden exterior with light and crunchy texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall chicken flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds aromatic depth and complex savory notes.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and subtle smoky undertone.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces spicy heat, adjust quantity based on personal preference.

• Cooking Spray or Cooking Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden brown exterior.
• Chicken Pieces: Choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for consistent cooking results.

Tools to Make Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and preparing coating.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients precisely.
• Air fryer: Key appliance for crispy, healthier fried chicken.
• Cooking spray or oil brush: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken safely during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing and handling chicken.

How to Cook Air Fry Fried Chicken

• Kickstart the Marinade

Splash buttermilk and hot sauce together in a container. Dive the chicken into this zesty bath, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal and park in the refrigerator for a flavor-boosting soak.

• Create Crispy Coating

Whip up a magical blend of flour, cornstarch, and spices in a wide dish. This mixture will transform your chicken into a crunchy masterpiece.

• Dress the Chicken

Pull chicken from its marinade, letting excess drip away. Roll each piece through the spice mixture, pressing firmly to create a perfect armor of crispiness.

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to 375F. Let it warm up for a quick minute to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Cook to Golden Perfection

Spritz the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken pieces without crowding. Give the tops a light oil spray. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee an even, golden-brown finish.

• Rest and Serve

Let the chicken take a quick breather after cooking. Plate up and serve with your favorite zingy dipping companions.

Keep & Store Air Fry Fried Chicken the Easy Way

• Meal Prep Magic: Slice chicken into portions before marinating for quicker cooking and easier storage.
• Refrigerator Strategies: Store marinated chicken in airtight containers for up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping flavors fresh and intense.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap fully cooked chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum taste retention.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover air fryer chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and juicy interior, avoiding microwave sogginess.

Golden Air Fry Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer fried chicken elevates classic Southern comfort food with healthier cooking techniques. Perfectly seasoned chicken emerges golden brown and irresistibly crunchy, allowing you to enjoy maximum flavor with minimal oil.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup (237 ml/8 fl oz) buttermilk
• 1 tsp (5 ml) hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 cup (125 g/4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp (6 g/0.2 oz) salt
• ½ tsp (1 g/0.03 oz) black pepper
• 1 tsp (3 g/0.1 oz) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (3 g/0.1 oz) onion powder
• 1 tsp (2 g/0.07 oz) paprika
• ½ tsp (1 g/0.03 oz) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Marination: Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a container. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring full coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 12 hours to develop deep flavor profiles.
2. Coating Preparation: Blend flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. Create a uniform, well-seasoned dry mixture that will form a crispy exterior.
3. Chicken Preparation: Drain marinated chicken, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, textured layer that ensures maximum crispiness.
4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
5. Cooking Process: Arrange chicken pieces in a single, spacious layer. Spray or brush chicken tops with oil to enhance golden coloration. Cook for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure uniform cooking and crisp texture.
6. Finishing and Serving: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C). Allow a brief resting period for juice redistribution. Plate immediately with preferred dipping sauces or complementary side dishes for a mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Buttermilk tenderizes chicken and helps seasoning stick, so don’t rush the marinating process. Longer marination (up to 12 hours) develops deeper flavor complexity.
• Coat Carefully: Press seasoned flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy exterior. Ensure complete, even coating for consistent crispiness in every bite.
• Oil Matters: Lightly spray chicken with oil to promote golden browning and extra crispness. Avoid oversaturating to maintain air fryer’s crispy texture advantage.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally. This guarantees safe cooking and prevents dry, overcooked meat while ensuring perfect doneness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg