Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as drumsticks or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mister
Instructions:
- Marinating:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Preparation:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coating:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off.
- Coat each chicken piece with the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to adhere.
- Preheating:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Frying:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray.
- Cooking:
- Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Crisping (Optional):
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps break down proteins, making the meat more tender and juicy.
- You can customize the seasoning mix to your taste. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or your favorite herbs and spices.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can result in uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook in batches if needed.
- You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remember that air fryer sizes and wattages can vary, so cooking times might need slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer fried chicken with your favorite sides!
Of course! Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your air fryer fried chicken experience:
Tips:
- Chicken Prep: Pat the marinated chicken pieces dry before coating them with the flour mixture. This helps the coating adhere better and promotes crispiness.
- Flour Coating: For an even thicker and crunchier coating, you can double-dip the chicken. After the first coating of flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it with flour again.
- Cooking Spray: Using an oil mister or cooking spray to lightly coat the chicken before cooking helps achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
- Spacing: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
- Turning the Chicken: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Breading Variations: Experiment with different coatings like panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for added texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the flour mixture for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the flour mixture for a tangy and herby flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken: Replace the traditional seasoning with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Sweet and Savory Chicken: Add a touch of sweetness by mixing a bit of brown sugar or honey into the flour mixture. The contrast between sweet and savory flavors can be delightful.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders: Cut the chicken into tender-sized pieces for a quick and easy finger-food option.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your air fryer fried chicken with an array of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or a classic gravy.
Remember, the beauty of cooking is in experimenting and making the recipe your own. Feel free to get creative with seasonings, coatings, and serving suggestions to suit your taste preferences!
