Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

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Introduction

Few comfort foods are as universally loved as fried chicken. The unmistakable crunch, the golden-brown crust, and the juicy, flavorful meat inside make it a timeless favorite across cultures and generations. Traditionally, however, fried chicken comes with a downside: deep frying requires a large amount of oil, can be messy, time-consuming, and often results in a heavy, greasy dish.

That’s where Air Fryer Fried Chicken completely changes the game.

With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy everything you love about classic fried chicken—crispy coating, bold seasoning, and tender meat—without submerging your chicken in oil. This method uses circulating hot air combined with a light oil spray to achieve a fried-like texture that’s dramatically lighter, cleaner, and easier to make at home.

This comprehensive guide to Air Fryer Fried Chicken will walk you through every step of the process, explain why each step matters, and give you professional tips to ensure your chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside every single time. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to perfect your technique, this recipe is designed to be approachable, reliable, and incredibly satisfying.

By the end of this post, you’ll not only have a go-to recipe for Air Fryer Fried Chicken, but also the confidence to customize it to your taste, troubleshoot common problems, and serve it proudly as a main dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

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Why Choose Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

Before diving into the recipe itself, it’s worth understanding why Air Fryer Fried Chicken has become so popular.

1. Less Oil, Less Grease

Traditional fried chicken requires quarts of oil. Air frying uses just a light oil spray, reducing overall fat while still delivering a crisp exterior.

2. Easier Cleanup

No splattering oil, no greasy stovetop, and no oil disposal afterward. Cleanup is quick and simple.

3. Faster Cooking

Air fryers heat up quickly and cook evenly, cutting down on total cooking time.

4. Consistent Results

With proper spacing and temperature control, air fryers produce evenly cooked chicken with minimal effort.

5. Health-Conscious Comfort Food

You get the indulgent flavor of fried chicken without the heaviness, making Air Fryer Fried Chicken perfect for regular meals.

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 pounds skin-on chicken legs and thighs

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Oil spray (for air fryer and chicken)

Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt

• 1½ teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you master Air Fryer Fried Chicken instead of just following instructions.

Chicken (Legs and Thighs)

Dark meat is ideal for air frying. It stays juicy, tolerates higher internal temperatures, and delivers more flavor than white meat.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken thanks to its acidity and helps the flour coating stick better. It also adds subtle tang and richness.

Eggs

Eggs act as a binder, creating a sturdy layer that allows the flour to cling evenly to the chicken.

Flour

Flour forms the base of the crispy coating. When combined with oil spray and hot air, it creates a crunchy, golden crust.

Seasonings

A well-seasoned coating ensures flavor in every bite. Paprika adds color, garlic and onion powder build depth, and seasoned salt ties everything together.

Oil Spray

This is essential. The oil spray helps the flour brown and crisp instead of drying out. It mimics the effect of deep frying without excess oil.

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Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken pieces with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, and black pepper.

3. In another large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

5. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, tapping off excess.

6. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off.

7. Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second, light coating.

8. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.

9. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with oil.

10. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 15–20 minutes.

11. Check for dry flour spots and spray lightly with more oil if needed.

12. Flip the chicken using tongs and spray again with oil.

13. Cook for another 5–10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

14. Check internal temperature:

• 185°F (85°C) for legs and thighs

• 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts

15. Remove and repeat with remaining chicken if cooking in batches.

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Step-by-Step Technique Explained

Drying the Chicken

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Drying the chicken thoroughly ensures the coating adheres properly and crisps instead of steaming.

Double Dredging

The flour → buttermilk → flour method creates layers. This technique mimics traditional fried chicken texture and helps achieve crunch in the air fryer.

Spacing in the Basket

Air fryers rely on airflow. Overcrowding traps steam, leading to soggy coating. Always leave space between pieces.

Flipping and Re-Oiling

Flipping halfway ensures even browning. A second light oil spray activates any remaining dry flour and enhances crispiness.

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Tips for Best Results

• Dry chicken well: Moisture prevents crispiness.

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches for even browning.

• Light flour coating: Too much flour can prevent crisping.

• Oil spray is key: It helps achieve a fried-like texture.

• Use a thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Oil Spray

Without oil, flour will stay pale and chalky. Even a small amount makes a huge difference.

Cooking at Too High a Temperature

Higher heat can burn the coating before the chicken cooks through. 370°F is the sweet spot for Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

Not Flipping

One-sided cooking leads to uneven browning. Always flip for the best texture.

Using Cold Chicken

Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking to ensure even doneness.

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Flavor Variations

Once you master the base recipe, Air Fryer Fried Chicken becomes endlessly customizable.

Spicy Version

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.

Southern-Style

Add a pinch of sugar and extra paprika for classic Southern flavor.

Garlic Parmesan

Mix grated parmesan and garlic powder into the flour for a savory twist.

Herb-Forward

Add dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the coating.

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Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with both classic and modern sides:

• Mashed potatoes or coleslaw

• Corn on the cob or biscuits

• Hot sauce, honey, or ranch dressing

• Mac and cheese

• Green beans or roasted vegetables

This dish works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for gatherings and special occasions.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360

• Total Fat: 17 g

• Saturated Fat: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Protein: ~28 g

This makes Air Fryer Fried Chicken a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken while still being satisfying and flavorful.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe succeeds because it respects the fundamentals of frying—proper seasoning, layered coating, and controlled heat—while adapting them to modern cooking technology. The result is chicken that’s crispy, golden, and juicy without the drawbacks of deep frying.

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Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Fried Chicken proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, greasy, or unhealthy. With simple ingredients, thoughtful technique, and the power of an air fryer, you can recreate the irresistible crunch and flavor of classic fried chicken right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is reliable, adaptable, and perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for this method whenever the craving for fried chicken hits. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and endlessly customizable—Air Fryer Fried Chicken truly delivers the best of both worlds.