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
Scale
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.
