Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken without the guilt of deep frying? This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers the perfect crunch and flavor using minimal oil. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while still satisfying that craving for something crispy and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
4. Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken with cooking oil to enhance crispiness.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes and Tips:
- Cornstarch in the coating is key for achieving extra crunch.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Oil Spray: A light mist of oil enhances crispiness but don’t overdo it to keep the dish healthy.
Servings:
- Serves 4 to 6 people.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
(Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of chicken pieces and exact ingredients used.)
Health Benefits:
- Lower in fat compared to traditional deep-fried chicken.
- High in protein for muscle repair and growth.
- Reduced calories by using an air fryer, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Q/A:
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs cook faster, so check for doneness at 18-20 minutes.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes! Add more cayenne pepper to the coating or extra hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is the perfect guilt-free comfort food. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe keeps it flavorful and crispy without the mess of deep frying!