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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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