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Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a game changer. Enjoy crispy fried chicken without all of the work or fat. It’s delicious and really simple.
This easy to make fried chicken recipe is our favorite way to enjoy crispy fried chicken. I never liked standing over the stove frying chicken and it definitely wasn’t healthy. Now, thanks to the air fryer, we have a healthier alternative that is just as tasty.
Plus, is is really simple to make. The entire process is quick and simple. Everyone can enjoy fried chicken without the work. We made Air fryer chicken wings the other day and everyone said they were amazing. So, I thought I would try air fryer fried chicken and it definitely did not disappoint.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This air fryer recipe takes a piece of chicken to the next level. The chicken gets crispy and it cooks all the way through. I have used this recipe to make chicken drumsticks and chicken breast and both turned out amazing.
I love to serve with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Air Fryer Broccoli for an easy meal idea. Make this recipe for an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- Chicken Pieces – Use skin on chicken such as bone-in chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks or chicken breast.
- Buttermilk – This works best to stick to the chicken
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Seasoning Variations
Feel free to change the spices when making this air fryer fried chicken. These are some of our favorite additions.
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Step 1 – First, wash and dry chicken and set aside.
Step 2 – In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt and pepper until well combined.
Step 3 – In another large bowl, whisk together flour, and seasonings.
Step 4 – Coat chicken with flour mixture. Next, dredge in buttermilk mixture in a shallow dish. Then repeat in flour mixture.
Step 5 – Place chicken in air fryer basket, spray basket with oil and leave room around each piece to allow air to flow.
Step 6 – Spray chicken with oil. Cook at 370 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Turn chicken over and spray with more oil. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden.
- Step 7 – Repeat with remaining chicken. Serve immediately with Chicken Dipping Sauce.
Expert Tips
- Air Fryer Recommendation – Using a air fryer has been a game changer for my family. We recommend this air fryer but we also have The 5 Best Air Fryer Deals of June 2024.
- Cooking Chicken – Cooking time will vary depending on the type of chicken you use. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure you chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when it is fully cooked.
- Work in Batches – You want to place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches for cook the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Fried chicken is great with this easy coleslaw recipe and baked beans. Lazy day crockpot baked beans are super easy and a favorite around here. We also like these quick and easy baked beans or Easy Cream Corn Recipe
Traditional potato salad or German potato salad also go great with friend chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will need to coat chicken with oil prior to cooking in the air fryer.
Essentially, the air fryer moves air quickly over food similar to broiling it in an oven that it gives the food a similar tastes to food that has been fried in oil. It is crispy and delicious without all of the oil!
The air fryer doesn’t require a large amount of oil like a traditional fryer requires so foods cooked in the air fryer generally have less calories and less fat than fried foods.
You will need to cook this recipe with the skin-on chicken. We used chicken legs and thighs but you can also use chicken wings, chicken thighs or chicken breast.
Leftovers will stay fresh in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. See Leftover Fried Chicken Recipes for ideas on how to use leftovers.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Quick and Easy Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Quick and Easy Air Fryer
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Quick and Easy Air Fryer
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skin on chicken legs and thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Oil for spraying chicken – vegetable canola or olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry chicken set aside
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt and pepper until well combined
- In another large bowl, whisk together flour, and seasonings
- Coat chicken with flour mixture
- Then dip in buttermilk mixture
- Then repeat in flour mixture
- Place chicken in air fryer basket, spray basket with oil and leave room around each piece to allow air to flow
- Spray chicken with oil
- Cook at 370 degrees F for 15-20 minutes
- Turn chicken over and spray with more oil
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden
- Repeat with remaining chicken
- Serve immediately
- Store leftovers in refrigerator in airtight container
Love this recipe. Easy to do and taste great.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – thanks for sharing!
I followed the recipe as written. Came out GREAT! Was delicious and my husband loved it. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!