Introduction
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a healthier take on the classic fried chicken recipe. It delivers a crunchy, golden-brown coating and juicy, tender meat with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. This dish blends convenience, flavour, and texture in every mouthful, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or family dinners.
What Is Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken?
Air fryer fried chicken is chicken coated in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs and cooked in an air fryer rather than submerged in hot oil. The circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture with less oil
- Easy and mess-free cooking
- Healthier than deep-fried chicken
- Ready in under an hour
- Perfect for family meals and meal prep
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Servings: 10 pieces
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds chicken pieces
Marinade
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 big eggs
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. Pepper, black, ground
- 1 tbsp salt
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Other
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- First, fill a big bowl with the buttermilk, egg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- After adding the chicken pieces, flip them several times to cover every surface with the marinade. For at least half an hour, cover the bowl and refrigerate it. If you have extra time, marinating the chicken for a few hours can improve its flavour.
- While the chicken rests, prepare the coating. Mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a wide bowl until evenly combined.
- Set the temperature of your air fryer to 300°F (150 °C).
- After removing one piece of chicken from the marinade, let any extra liquid drop off. Apply a generous amount of the flour mixture to it, carefully pushing to ensure that it stays. With the remaining parts, repeat.
- Fill the air fryer basket with a little amount of cooking oil. To allow the hot air to circulate well, arrange the chicken in a single layer with a small gap between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Cook the chicken for 20 minutes at 300°F.
- Carefully turn each piece over using tongs. Spray the second side with a little more oil, then increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until the coating is deep brown and crisp.
- Use the meat thermometer to check the thickest portion of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through. The reading should be 165°F, or 74°C.
- Give the chicken about five minutes to rest before serving.By doing this, the fluids are kept within the meat instead of spilling onto the dish.