Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust without the excess oil. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, this chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
For Cooking
- Spray olive oil
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken into a large bowl or container and pour 2 cups of buttermilk over the pieces. Ensure they are fully submerged and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika. Mix thoroughly for an even spice distribution.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly and shaking off any excess flour.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote crispness.
- Arrange and Oil: Place chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the coated chicken generously with olive oil to aid browning and crispiness.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 14 minutes at 350°F. After this time, carefully flip each piece, spray the other side with olive oil, then continue frying for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Buttermilk marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor; marinate longer for more tenderness.
- You can adjust spices in the coating to your preference for different flavor profiles.
- Spraying olive oil instead of brushing helps keep the coating crispy without excess oil.
