Description
This Simple Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy, golden-brown chicken using minimal oil and no deep frying. Marinated in seasoned buttermilk and coated in a flour-cornstarch blend, it’s a lighter take on a comfort food classic.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil mist
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish. Dredge marinated chicken in coating, pressing to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Spray basket with oil.
- Place chicken in basket in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 380°F for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again. Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture and juiciness.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs or breasts for a quicker cook time (16–20 minutes).
- Add a honey garlic or buffalo glaze after cooking for extra flavor.
- Swap chicken for wings and cook 20–22 minutes for a party snack.
- Use gluten-free flour for a GF version (keep cornstarch).
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—space ensures crispy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
