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How to Air Fry Fried Chicken

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—just like traditional fried chicken but without all the oil. It’s the perfect way to enjoy comfort food with a healthier twist.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.

  2. Prep Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.

  3. Dredge Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.

  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.

  5. Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops of the chicken with oil.

  6. Cook: Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again with oil. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or sides!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour after dipping in the buttermilk.

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this ensures even cooking and crisping.

  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 710mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://healthyhomeeats.com/how-to-air-fry-fried-chicken/