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Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Chicken
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This Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers everything you love about classic fried chicken—crispy, golden-brown coating with tender, juicy meat inside—without deep frying. Using buttermilk and a well-seasoned flour coating, this recipe creates incredible flavor and crunch while keeping things lighter and less greasy.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with oil.

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

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

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

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

  • Check internal temperature:

    • 185°F (85°C) for legs and thighs

    • 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts

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

Notes

  • 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.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/