Crispy fried chicken has always been a favorite in my house, but I avoided making it myself for the longest time because deep frying felt like too much work. I didn’t love dealing with a pot full of oil, and I didn’t love the cleanup. Then, I got an air fryer, and everything changed.
The first time I made air fryer fried chicken, I was skeptical. Would it be crispy? Would it have the same golden, crunchy coating as traditional fried chicken? After one bite, I knew I had found a game-changer. The chicken was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and crispy—without all the mess and oil of deep frying. Now, I always make this recipe when we’re craving fried chicken but want something a little lighter and easier.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 50mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I’ve always loved fried chicken, but I only started making it at home regularly after getting my air fryer. I was tired of the greasy takeout versions and wanted something homemade that didn’t feel like a big production.
At first, I tried just throwing seasoned chicken in the air fryer, but it didn’t have that signature crispy coating. After a few tweaks—using buttermilk for tenderness, adding cornstarch for extra crunch, and making sure the breading was well-seasoned—I finally nailed it. Now, I have a go-to air fryer fried chicken recipe that’s just as crispy and delicious as the deep-fried version.
Why Crispy Fried Chicken?
There’s something special about crispy fried chicken. It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Here’s why this air fryer version is worth making:
- Crispy Without the Oil: You get that perfect crunch without deep frying.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender.
- Less Mess, Less Work: No pots of hot oil or greasy stovetops to clean up.
- Healthier Option: Air frying cuts down on excess oil while still delivering amazing taste.
What Is Crispy Fried Chicken Made Of?
This air fryer crispy fried chicken has all the same great ingredients as the traditional fried chicken just cooked more healthily. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs, and drumsticks for the juiciest results.
- Buttermilk Marinade: Helps tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Seasoned Breading: A mix of flour, cornstarch, and spices for a crispy coating.
- Cooking Spray: Helps mimic the crispiness of deep-fried chicken.
What to Have with Crispy Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is great on its own, but the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
- Coleslaw: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits make a great pairing.
- Corn on the Cob: A simple, sweet side that balances the crispy chicken.
- Mac and Cheese: Rich and cheesy, it’s the perfect comfort food combo.
Is Crispy Fried Chicken Healthy?
Air frying makes this version of fried chicken much healthier than the traditional deep-fried kind. You still get the crispy coating, but with far less oil. Using skinless chicken or opting for boneless cuts can make it even lighter.
Kitchen Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs (for handling the chicken)
- Whisk (for mixing the breading)
- Wire Rack (to rest the chicken before cooking)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional for extra flavor)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving (Optional):
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
Directions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks.
- Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for 10 minutes—this helps the coating adhere.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray—this helps create crispiness.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Tips
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It helps create a super crispy texture.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Cooking: This helps the breading stay on better.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer: If you have leftovers, reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use cornstarch as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Freeze cooked chicken and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Conclusion
Air fryer crispy fried chicken is a game-changer. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and so much easier than deep frying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
MORE RECIPES
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs for handling the chicken
- Whisk (for mixing the breading)
- Wire Rack (to rest the chicken before cooking)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks.
- Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for 10 minutes—this helps the coating adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray—this helps create crispiness.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.