Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Enjoy all the crunch of classic fried chicken with much less oil. This air fryer version features juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, crispy crust that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Seasoned Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 2–8 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken with cooking oil.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces.
- Air fry for 25–30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through and spraying lightly with oil again if needed.
- Cook until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2–8 hours
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes (including marinating)
Servings: 4–6
Tips
- Marinating in buttermilk keeps the chicken extra juicy and tender.
- Cornstarch helps create a crispier coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
- Spray the coating generously with oil to achieve an evenly golden, crispy finish.
- Serve with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or your favorite dipping sauces.