The Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
If you are looking for crispy fried chicken without deep frying, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is one you will want to make again and again. It delivers everything you love about traditional fried chicken—a crunchy golden coating, juicy meat, and rich flavor—while using much less oil. The air fryer helps create a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
The secret to this recipe is the combination of flavorful seasonings, a buttermilk marinade, and a special coating made with flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Together, they create a crunchy crust that tastes like classic fried chicken. Every bite is packed with flavor, from the seasoned coating to the juicy chicken underneath.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, picnics, game nights, or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, fries, corn on the cob, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
Whether you are new to air fryer cooking or already love using your air fryer, this recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy coating without deep frying
- Juicy and flavorful chicken
- Uses less oil than traditional fried chicken
- Easy ingredients found in most kitchens
- Great for family meals and gatherings
- Simple preparation and cooking process
- Perfect balance of seasoning and crunch
- Can be adjusted for mild or spicy flavors
- Excellent for meal prep and leftovers
- Delicious with your favorite side dishes
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Many air fryer fried chicken recipes can turn out dry or lack the crunchy texture of deep-fried chicken. This recipe solves that problem by using a few important techniques.
The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while adding moisture. The hot sauce adds flavor and helps the coating stick better. Cornstarch keeps the coating light and crisp, while baking powder helps create tiny air pockets that make the crust extra crunchy.
The result is chicken that looks and tastes like traditional fried chicken while being easier and cleaner to prepare.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Mixing spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Tray or plate for coating chicken
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken, skin-on thighs and drumsticks (about 4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Franks Red Hot or Louisiana Hot Sauce), optional; if omitting, add another 1/4 cup buttermilk
Dry Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Half of the Seasoning Mix
- Neutral oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
Mix everything together until all the spices are evenly combined. This seasoning blend will flavor both the chicken and the coating, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks on a tray or large plate.
Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each piece of chicken. Make sure every piece is well seasoned.
Gently rub the seasoning into the chicken so the flavors begin to absorb into the meat.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the seasoned chicken to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken.
Mix everything together until all the pieces are fully coated.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the coating mixture. For even better flavor and tenderness, cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
The buttermilk helps break down proteins in the meat, creating a tender texture while keeping the chicken juicy during cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Coating
In a large bowl, combine:
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Remaining half of the seasoning mixture
Whisk until everything is evenly mixed.
Add 2 tablespoons of water or some of the chicken marinade.
Use your hands to mix the liquid into the dry ingredients until small clumps form throughout the mixture. These little craggy bits help create the crispy texture that makes fried chicken so irresistible.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Remove one piece of chicken from the marinade.
Place it into the dry coating mixture.
Cover the chicken completely with the coating and press firmly with your hands to help the breading stick.
Repeat with each piece until all the chicken is coated.
Take your time during this step. Pressing the coating onto the chicken helps create a thicker, crunchier crust after cooking.
Step 6: Apply the Oil Spray
Place the coated chicken pieces on a tray.
Spray both sides generously with neutral oil spray.
Do not skip this step. The oil helps the coating brown properly and become crispy during cooking.
The oil spray also prevents the breading from looking dry and helps achieve a fried appearance.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating helps the chicken begin cooking immediately, which improves browning and crispiness.
Step 8: Cook the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing down.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space between the pieces so hot air can circulate properly.
If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Air fry for 12 minutes.
Step 9: Flip and Continue Cooking
After 12 minutes, carefully flip the chicken pieces.
Spray the top side again with neutral oil spray.
Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the air fryer.
Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Resting helps the juices settle inside the meat, making every bite more flavorful and moist.
Serve warm with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy air fryer fried chicken pairs perfectly with:
- French fries
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Garden salad
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Buffalo sauce
Tips & Tricks
Use Plenty of Oil Spray
A generous coating of neutral oil spray is one of the most important steps. It helps the chicken become crispy and golden while preventing sticking.
Choose the Right Oil
Avocado oil spray works very well because it has a high smoke point. Canola or vegetable oil sprays are also good choices.
Marinate Longer for Better Flavor
Although 15 minutes works fine, marinating overnight allows the chicken to absorb more flavor and become even more tender.
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken
Bone-in and skin-on chicken provides the best flavor and texture. The skin crisps up beautifully while the bone helps keep the meat juicy.
Do Not Crowd the Basket
Cooking too many pieces at once reduces airflow and can lead to uneven cooking.
Check the Internal Temperature
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make It Spicier
Add extra cayenne pepper or use more hot sauce if you enjoy spicy fried chicken.
Let the Chicken Rest
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Reheating Instructions
Air Fryer Method
For the crispiest results:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes
- Serve immediately
Microwave Method
- Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate
- Heat until warmed through
The microwave is quick, but the coating may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 909 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 52g
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 287mg
- Sodium: 2720mg
- Potassium: 771mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 942 IU
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Calcium: 256mg
- Iron: 4mg
Short Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Description
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. A seasoned buttermilk marinade and crunchy coating create juicy chicken with a delicious fried texture, all without deep frying.
Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken, skin-on thighs and drumsticks
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional)
Dry Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Half of the Seasoning Mix
- Neutral oil spray
Instructions
- Mix all seasoning ingredients together.
- Season chicken with half of the seasoning blend.
- Mix chicken with buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes or overnight.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and remaining seasoning.
- Add 2 tablespoons water or marinade and mix to create small crumbs.
- Coat chicken completely in the dry mixture.
- Spray both sides generously with oil spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook skin-side down for 12 minutes.
- Flip chicken and spray again with oil.
- Cook another 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use plenty of oil spray for the crispiest coating.
- Avocado oil spray works especially well.
- Marinate overnight for extra flavor.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Check the internal temperature before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
