Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Enjoy all the crunch of classic fried chicken with far less oil! This Air Fryer Fried Chicken has a crispy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for family dinners, picnics, or game day.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 lb (900 g) bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg

Seasoned Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For Cooking

• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 2–12 hours (overnight is ideal).
2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
5. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly so the coating adheres. For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it in the flour a second time.
6. Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking oil.
7. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
8. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying any dry spots with a little more oil.
9. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before marinating for better coating adhesion.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Spray the breading lightly with oil to help it crisp and brown evenly.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Baked beans

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–12 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes–12 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving