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Fried Chicken in Air Fryer

A healthier and delicious take on traditional fried chicken, prepared in an air fryer for a crispy and juicy result.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts) Feel free to use skin-on or skinless.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk For marinating, it keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour This will give your chicken that delicious outer crunch.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Helps to achieve an even crispier coating.
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • cooking spray Cooking spray To give a light coating for that golden finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes (30 is better!). This step adds flavor and moisture.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This will be your crispy coating.
Cooking
  1. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken pieces in, making sure they aren’t touching for maximum crispiness.
  4. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Dive in and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap buttermilk with almond milk + lemon juice. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. Try using panko breadcrumbs in place of flour for an extra crispy coating. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes.