Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

This recipe for air fryer fried chicken will give you crispy, golden, and delicious chicken with less oil than traditional deep frying. Perfect for a healthier, yet flavorful fried chicken option.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 6 pieces of chicken drumsticks (or any cuts you prefer)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (helps create extra crispiness)

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk (for extra tenderness)

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

  • Cooking spray or oil (for spraying the chicken)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

2. Make the Coating:

   • In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

   • In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk (or regular milk), and hot sauce (if using).

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated.

   • Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure an even coating. For an extra crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the egg wash and coat it again in the flour mixture.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Chicken:

   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a brush to coat with oil.

   • Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for air circulation. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

   • Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray or oil.

   • Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

   • Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Q&A About Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

Q: Do I need to use cornstarch in the recipe?

• A: Cornstarch helps create an extra crispy coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with more flour, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs instead of drumsticks?

• A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the pieces. Thicker cuts will take longer, so check the internal temperature (165°F) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Q: Is it necessary to use an air fryer basket, or can I just place the chicken on the tray?

• A: Using the air fryer basket is recommended for even air circulation and crispiness. If your air fryer doesn’t have a basket, placing the chicken on the tray works, but be sure to flip it halfway through for even cooking.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

• A: Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk or a seasoning mix will add flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade also works.

Q: What can I serve with this air fryer fried chicken?

• A: Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple salad. You could also pair it with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• A: Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free (like checking the hot sauce label).

Enjoy