Name: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs skin-on chicken legs and thighs; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; oil for spraying ((vegetable, canola, or olive oil))

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken. Traditionally, this beloved staple can be a calorie bomb, but with the introduction of the air fryer, we can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing flavor. This recipe for Air Fryer Fried Chicken is simple, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Imagine crispy skin, tender meat, and all the delightful spices you love, minus the guilt. Let’s dive in!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses buttermilk to marinate the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The seasoned flour coating gives it that classic fried chicken crunch without the need for deep frying. Plus, cooking in the air fryer means you can enjoy crispy chicken with significantly less oil. It’s a win-win for health-conscious foodies and fried chicken lovers alike!

Gather These Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Air Fryer Fried Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

2 lbs skin-on chicken legs and thighs
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the coating:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp seasoned salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

Don’t forget to have some oil on hand for spraying the chicken, such as vegetable, canola, or olive oil.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools for your Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

Air fryer: The star of the show, providing that crispy texture.
Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the dry ingredients.
Whisk: To blend the buttermilk and eggs smoothly.
Tongs: For handling the chicken without losing the coating.
Cooking spray: To ensure your chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket.

Directions: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this mouthwatering dish. Follow these simple steps for perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken legs and thighs to the bowl, making sure they are completely submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This will create a flavorful coating for your chicken that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispiness on your chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess flour and place the chicken on a plate.

Step 5: Spray and Cook

Spray the chicken pieces lightly with your choice of oil. This will help achieve that golden-brown color as they cook. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken

Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.

Fresh Seasonal Changes

Feel free to switch things up based on the season or your preferences! Here are some ideas to consider:

In the summer, pair your Air Fryer Fried Chicken with fresh watermelon salad.
In the fall, serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
During the winter, try it with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
In spring, add a side of asparagus and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Avoid These Traps

When making Air Fryer Fried Chicken, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:

Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and prevent crispiness.
Not preheating the air fryer may result in soggy chicken.
Skipping the marinating step can lead to dry chicken; take the time to let it soak in the buttermilk.
Using too much oil can make the coating greasy rather than crispy.

Best Ways to Store

If you have leftovers (which is rare with such delicious Air Fryer Fried Chicken!), here’s how to store them properly:

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, use the air fryer again for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain that crispy texture.

Common Questions

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

While skin-on chicken provides that desired crispy texture, you can use skinless pieces. Just be aware that the result may be less crunchy.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in even more flavorful chicken.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

There are countless sides that pair well! Consider Baked Mac And Cheese, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or green beans for a complete meal.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

If you love this , you might also enjoy these healthy-ish favorites:

Bring It to the Table

Serve your Air Fryer Fried Chicken with a variety of dipping sauces, like honey mustard or barbecue sauce, for an interactive dining experience. Add some colorful sides to your table, and you have a meal that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this chicken is sure to impress!

The beauty of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken is not just in its ease of preparation, but also in its ability to bring people together around the table. So gather your loved ones, share some laughs, and dig into this delightful dish that redefines comfort food. Enjoy!

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