Let me show you how to make air fryer fried chicken that comes out golden, crispy, and juicy without deep frying. It has that crunchy coating, tender chicken inside, and yes, the air fryer does an amazing job with this one.
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Why you’ll love this air fryer fried chicken
This is a great recipe when you want crispy fried chicken at home without the mess of deep frying. The outside gets golden and crunchy, and the chicken inside stays tender when it is cooked properly.
I also like that this recipe feels familiar. It is not trying to be fancy or complicated. It is just good chicken with a simple seasoned coating, made in the air fryer.
Texture and flavor
The coating is crisp and golden, with a simple savory flavor from garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. It is not too spicy, so it works well if you want classic fried chicken flavor.
The chicken inside stays juicy, especially when you use thighs and drumsticks. Those pieces are a good choice here because they have more flavor and do not dry out as quickly.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken (about 900 g), thighs and legs work well
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of buttermilk (about 480 ml)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (about 250 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of paprika
- Olive oil spray
Skinless or skin-on chicken
I used skinless chicken here because my husband likes it that way, and it still works. The coating is just a little more delicate, so move the chicken gently once it is coated.
If you want a crispier outside, skin-on chicken pieces are even better. The coating holds on better, and the chicken usually comes out with more crunch.
Note: Skinless chicken can still taste really good, but skin-on chicken gives you more of that classic fried chicken texture.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 shallow bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Plate or tray
- Olive oil spray
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Crack 2 eggs into a bowl and beat them until the yolks and whites are mixed together. Add 2 cups of buttermilk and mix until smooth.
Step 2: In a separate shallow bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of paprika. Mix well so the seasoning is spread through the flour.
Step 3: Dip one piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture and coat it all over. Let the extra drip off for a few seconds, then move the chicken into the seasoned flour.
Top Tip: Let the extra buttermilk drip off before the chicken goes into the flour. If too much liquid goes in, the coating can get heavy instead of crisp.
Step 4: Coat the chicken well in the seasoned flour. Press the flour onto the chicken so it sticks, then place the coated piece on a plate or tray. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
Step 5: Spray the coated chicken with olive oil spray. Look over each piece and spray any dry white flour spots, so they can turn golden as the chicken cooks.
Top Tip: Do not skip the oil spray on the dry flour spots. That is what helps the coating brown instead of staying pale and powdery.
Step 6: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between the pieces and cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
Step 7: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Start checking around 15 minutes if your chicken pieces are smaller. The chicken is ready when the outside is golden and crispy, and the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Note: If the coating is getting too dark before the chicken is cooked inside, lower the heat a little and keep cooking until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Related Recipe: If you liked this crispy air fryer chicken recipe, then you should try my air fryer grilled cheese chicken sandwich here next.
Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
This air fryer fried chicken comes out golden, crispy, and juicy without deep frying. It has that homemade fried chicken taste, but it is much easier to make because you do not need a big pot of hot oil.
3
servings15
minutes20
minutes836
kcal35
minutesIngredients
2 pounds 2 (900 g) chicken thighs and legs
2 eggs 2 eggs
2 cups 2 (480 ml) buttermilk
2 cups 2 (250 g) flour
1 teaspoon 1 (5 g) salt
1 teaspoon 1 (2 g) black pepper
2 tablespoons 2 (18 g) garlic powder
1.5 tablespoons 1.5 (10–11 g) paprika
as needed as needed (10–15 ml) olive oil spray
Directions
- Crack 2 eggs into a bowl and beat until smooth.
- Add 2 cups of buttermilk and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, and 1.5 tablespoons paprika.
- Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the seasoned flour.
- Spray the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, checking halfway.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Skin-On Chicken: Skinless chicken works, but skin-on thighs and drumsticks usually come out crispier. The coating holds on better, and the outside gets more of that classic fried chicken texture.
- Cook Similar Sizes Together: Try to use chicken pieces that are close in size, so they finish around the same time. If some pieces are much smaller, check them earlier and take them out first.
- Use Buttermilk Powder: Fresh buttermilk is best for this recipe, but buttermilk powder can work when mixed according to the package directions. It is handy to keep in the cupboard because it lasts much longer.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F. The outside can look golden before the inside is fully done, especially with bigger thighs or drumsticks.
- Do Not Overload Basket: Cook the chicken in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you stack the chicken or squeeze too much in, the coating can turn soft instead of crisp.
- Work In Batches: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in two batches instead of forcing it all in at once. The chicken will brown better, and the coating will stay crispier.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 3
- Calories: 836kcal
- Fat: 49g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 53g
Easy swaps
- You can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika if you want a deeper flavor.
- You can add a small pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.
- If you do not have fresh buttermilk, you can use buttermilk powder mixed according to the package directions. Fresh buttermilk is still my first choice, but the powder is useful because it lasts a long time in the cupboard.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Let the chicken cool before storing it, so the coating does not steam too much in the container.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot and the outside crisps up again.
Start checking after about 5 minutes for smaller pieces and about 8 minutes for larger pieces. The microwave will warm the chicken, but it will soften the coating.
What to serve with air fryer fried chicken
This crispy air fryer fried chicken goes well with fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn, mac and cheese, or a simple salad.
For dipping, ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce, or a quick mayo and ketchup sauce all work well.
More air fryer chicken recipes
If you liked this air fryer fried chicken, check out more easy air fryer chicken recipes below.
- Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings With an Extra Crispy Coating – These chicken wings are coated for maximum crunch while staying juicy inside, making them perfect for game day or an easy family dinner.
- Easiest Way I Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer – Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with crispy skin, made with simple seasonings and an easy air fryer method.
- How I Make Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer – Learn how to cook a whole chicken that’s tender and juicy with beautifully crisp, golden skin using your air fryer.
If you try it, leave me a comment or question below, or under the video. I love hearing how it turned out, and I will try to help if you have any questions.