Air fryer buttermilk fried chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. Here’s an easy recipe along with some notes to help you make the perfect crispy and flavorful chicken:
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk mixture over them.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
- Shake off any excess flour.
- Air frying:
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a parchment paper liner to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Spray the tops of the chicken thighs with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), and the chicken should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve your air fryer buttermilk fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Notes:
- The marinating time in buttermilk is essential as it helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want juicy and flavorful chicken.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Using a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket can make cleanup easier and prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer buttermilk fried chicken! It’s a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken with the same crispy goodness.
Tips:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Cooking Times: The cooking times provided are approximate. Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces and the specific model of your air fryer, it may take a little longer or shorter to cook. Keep an eye on it.
- Spray with Oil: If you want an even crispier finish, you can lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil before air frying. This will help achieve that deep-fried texture.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Make homemade dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce to complement your fried chicken.
Variations:
- Boneless Chicken: If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken may cook faster.
- Spicy Chicken: Add extra spice to your flour mixture by including cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Herb-infused Buttermilk: Add fresh or dried herbs to the buttermilk mixture for added flavor. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley work well.
- Oven Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s cooked through and crispy.
- Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory twist, you can add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the buttermilk mixture.
Experiment with these tips and variations to make your air fryer buttermilk fried chicken uniquely delicious. It’s a versatile recipe that you can tailor to your preferences and dietary needs.
