Air fryer fried chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken because it uses significantly less oil. It still results in crispy, delicious fried chicken with less mess and fewer calories. Here’s a basic recipe and some notes to help you make air fryer fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use other cuts of chicken as well)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for coating the chicken)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated in buttermilk, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for best results). This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. You can press the flour mixture onto the chicken for a thicker coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil or use an oil mister to add a thin layer of oil to the chicken. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize it. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Coating: Adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste. You can add more or less of the spices mentioned in the recipe.
- Oil: Using a cooking spray or an oil mister to lightly coat the chicken is sufficient for achieving a crispy texture. You don’t need to submerge the chicken in oil like traditional deep-frying.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally to be safely cooked.
- Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- **Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade air fryer fried chicken!
- Tips:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so take advantage of it.
- Use Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners: To make cleanup easier and prevent sticking, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use air fryer-specific liners. Just make sure they are safe to use at the cooking temperature you’re using.
- Temperature and Time Adjustments: Air fryer models can vary, so adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed. If your chicken is getting too dark, you can lower the temperature slightly and cook for a longer time.
- Frozen Chicken: You can also cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it will take longer. Preheat the air fryer, then cook the frozen chicken at 360-375°F (182-190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Crispy Coating: For an even crispier coating, you can double dip the chicken in the flour mixture after the initial coating. Dip it back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before air frying.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick. You can also marinate the chicken in spicy buttermilk by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the flour mixture for a flavorful herb-infused coating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free to make gluten-free air fryer fried chicken.
- Boneless Chicken: If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use boneless chicken breasts or tenders instead of bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless cuts may cook faster.
- Asian-Inspired: Create an Asian-inspired version by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Coat it in a mixture of cornstarch and flour for extra crunch.
- Southern-Style: For a classic Southern flavor, season your flour mixture generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne. You can also add a bit of paprika and dried thyme for that Southern taste.
Remember that air fryers are versatile, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings and coatings to suit your preferences. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious air fryer fried chicken recipes.
