If you’re craving crispy, golden fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying, then this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy crust made right in your air fryer — all while cutting down on the mess and oil! This recipe blends simple pantry staples with a clever technique of layering breading and a hint of butter for that rich, mouthwatering crispiness we all adore. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish promises irresistible flavor and texture every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, classic ingredients that deliver incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role—flour and breadcrumbs create that signature crunch, spices add warmth and depth, and the butter ensures a golden finish that keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 cup all purpose flour: The base for your crispy coating, giving structure to the breading.
- 4 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add extra crunch and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create an airy, light crispness in the crust.
- ½ tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes that complement the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the overall depth of flavor in the breading.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a delicate, subtle heat.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to help the breading stick perfectly.
- â…“ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy richness (see notes for substitutes).
- 1 ½ pounds chicken: Choose your favorite cuts—breasts, boneless thighs, or drumsticks all work beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons cold butter: Thinly sliced to dot over the chicken for unbeatable moisture and browning.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by giving your air fryer a 5-minute warm-up. This step ensures that the chicken crisps up beautifully from the moment it hits the hot basket, giving you a golden exterior rather than a soggy one.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixtures
Mix all your dry breading ingredients—flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper—in a shallow dish. Whisk until combined for an even coating. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and buttermilk; this will help your breading stick to the chicken and add a touch of tangy flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Begin by tossing your chicken pieces lightly in the dry mix for a thin base layer. Next, dip them in the egg and buttermilk mixture, and then dredge each piece back into the dry mix for a thick, hearty coating. Press the breading firmly into the chicken, ensuring it adheres well. It might look a little floury or dry now, but trust the process — the butter and air fryer will work their magic.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Place the breaded chicken in your preheated air fryer basket without stacking or crowding. Top each piece with several slices of cold butter—this is a crucial step for moisture and that golden finish. Cook at 400°F (200°C) until the crust is golden and crispy; timing varies depending on the cut, but usually falls between 6 and 14 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken so it browns beautifully without burning.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip the chicken pieces, add the rest of the butter, and air fry for the same duration again. For the final flourish, give the chicken one last quick blast at the highest temperature your air fryer can reach for 1-2 minutes. This extra step locks in crispiness and ensures the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle your crispy chicken with chopped fresh parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens every bite and balances the richness of the buttered crust.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For an extra pop of texture, try a crunchy cucumber salad or cornbread with honey butter.
Creative Ways to Present
elevate your presentation by serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board alongside assorted dips like honey mustard, spicy aioli, or a cool ranch. For a fun twist, turn this dish into a slider with soft buns and pickles, perfect for casual entertaining or game day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its crispiness when properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, flash-freeze the breaded and cooked pieces on a baking sheet first. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method locks in the crispy coating and keeps the chicken delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this fried chicken and bring back its crispy glory is to pop it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through. This reheating method preserves the crunch without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on pieces add an extra layer of fat and flavor, creating even more crispy deliciousness when cooked in the air fryer. Just adjust cooking times if necessary.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This gives a similar tang and tenderness effect.
Is the butter necessary in this recipe?
Yes, the thin slices of butter dotted on the chicken during cooking keep it moist and help develop that beautiful golden crust. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe will still be crispy, tasty, and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the perfect crunch and juicy bite of fried chicken, and this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe delivers it effortlessly without the extra oil or fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the ease, flavor, and texture that make this a fast favorite in my household—and I bet it will be in yours too!
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy and juicy alternative to traditional fried chicken by using an air fryer. It features a flavorful breading mix combined with butter for richness, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken wings, thighs, breasts, or drumsticks with minimal oil and mess. Ideal for a quick and healthier fried chicken experience without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients
Breading Mix
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned work as well)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Wet Mixture
- 1 large egg
- â…“ cup buttermilk (see notes for substitutes)
Chicken and Butter
- 1 ½ pounds chicken (breast, boneless thighs or drumsticks all work)
- 3 tablespoons cold butter (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisp cooking.
- Make breading mixes: Combine all ingredients for the dry breading mix—flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper—in a shallow dish and whisk together thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until well blended.
- Bread chicken: Coat each piece of chicken lightly in the dry breading mix, then dip into the wet mixture. Next, dredge the chicken again in the dry mix for a thicker coating. Press the breading firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere; it may feel floury, but butter will help create a crispy crust when cooking. Use plenty of dry mix for easier breading.
- Air fry – first side: Arrange breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the hot air fryer basket without overlapping. Place thin slices of butter (about 2 tablespoons) on each piece. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) as follows: 8-10 minutes for thinner breasts, 10-12 minutes for thicker breasts, 12-14 minutes for thighs, 6-8 minutes for strips, and 10 minutes for drumsticks, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Air fry – second side: Flip each piece carefully, dot with the remaining butter, and air fry again at 400°F (200°C) for the same amount of time as the first side until the breading is golden and crisp and the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, flip the chicken one last time and air fry for 1-2 minutes at the highest temperature your air fryer can achieve. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Substitutes for buttermilk include milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Butter helps to crisp the breading and adds moisture; ensure it’s thinly sliced for even melting.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for dark meat like thighs and drumsticks.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
