Air Fryer Fried Chicken

This air fryer fried chicken gives you the crispy crust and juicy meat you expect, but with much less oil and easier cleanup than traditional methods. It uses a classic double dredge in seasoned flour and a buttermilk marinade for great flavor and texture.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, making it a good option for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer does most of the work, circulating hot air to get that signature crunch.

Why will you love Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

A double dredge in the seasoned flour mixture creates a thick, crunchy crust that holds up well during cooking.

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and adds a slight tangy flavor.

Spraying the chicken with oil before and during cooking helps the crust turn golden brown and crispy, mimicking the effect of deep frying.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks work well because they stay moist. You can use boneless, skinless chicken, but you will need to reduce the cooking time.

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• Seasoned Salt: This is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices. You can find it in the spice aisle, or use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.

• Oil Spray: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Propellant-free oil misters are recommended for most air fryer baskets to protect the non-stick coating.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Stations

Get two shallow dishes ready. In the first, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, and pepper for your wet mixture. In the second, combine the flour with all the spices for your dry coating.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Make sure your chicken pieces are patted dry. Dip each piece first in the seasoned flour, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally back into the flour. This double-coating process creates an extra-crispy crust.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Brown

Place the coated chicken in a single layer in your oiled air fryer basket. Spray the tops with oil and cook at 370°F (188°C), flipping halfway through. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What to Serve with Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Serve this chicken warm with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Helpful Tricks for Air Fryer Fried Chicken

For food safety, always cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer ensures the hot air can circulate and crisp up the chicken skin.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer.

Using an oil spray is key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust that resembles deep-fried chicken.

How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders. Pound the breasts to an even thickness and reduce the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Why isn’t my air fryer chicken crispy?

There are two common reasons. First, the air fryer basket might be overcrowded, which steams the chicken instead of crisping it. Cook in batches. Second, you may not have used enough oil spray, which is necessary to get a golden, fried texture.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Some air fryer models require preheating, while others do not. Preheating for a few minutes can help the chicken start crisping up immediately. Check your appliance’s manual for specific recommendations.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy, seasoned chicken cooked to a golden brown in the air fryer with less oil.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken pieces (legs and thighs), 900g
• 2 cups buttermilk 480ml
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 240g
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp ground black pepper divided
• 1 tsp salt
• Oil spray canola, vegetable, or other high-smoke-point oil

Instructions

 

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick.
• Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, dredge it back in the flour for a thick second coat.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil.
• Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Carefully flip the chicken pieces, spray the other side with oil, and continue to air fry for another 5-10 minutes.
• The chicken is done when it's golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cook any remaining chicken in batches.

Notes

For food safety, always cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer ensures the hot air can circulate and crisp up the chicken skin.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer.

Using an oil spray is key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust that resembles deep-fried chicken.

Keyword Air Fryer, airfryer fried chicken, Chicken, dinner, Fried Chicken