Crackly-Coated Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand a show-stopping main dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This crispy air fryer fried chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between crunchy exterior and juicy meat.

Southern-style seasoning creates a bold, irresistible coating that seals in every ounce of succulence.

The air fryer transforms ordinary chicken into a golden, crisp masterpiece without excess oil.

Forget greasy takeout and complicated cooking techniques.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Prepare to experience fried chicken that’s lighter, healthier, and packed with mouthwatering flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat version for best flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Provides spicy kick and helps penetrate chicken with zesty flavor, select your preferred heat level.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy, crunchy exterior with light texture, look for fresh, non-clumping varieties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more intense taste.
• Garlic Powder: Contributes savory undertones, choose high-quality, pure powder without additives.
• Onion Powder: Brings sweet and pungent notes, select finely ground for even distribution.
• Paprika: Offers warm color and mild smoky taste, opt for sweet or smoked varieties.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces spicy heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures golden, crisp exterior and prevents sticking, use neutral oils with high smoke point.

Must-Have Equipment for Air Fryer Fried Chicken Perfection

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized for marinating chicken and preparing coating.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, spices, and liquids.
• Air Fryer: Primary cooking equipment for crispy chicken.
• Cooking Spray: For lightly oiling basket and chicken surface.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken during cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Plate or Cutting Board: For resting and serving cooked chicken.

Instructions for Making Golden Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Kickstart the Marinade

Bathe chicken in a zesty buttermilk bath mixed with hot sauce. Let it soak up the flavors in the refrigerator for a flavor-packed experience lasting 30 minutes to overnight.

• Create Crispy Coating

Whip up a magical blend of flour, cornstarch, and a symphony of spices. This mix will transform your chicken into a crunchy masterpiece.

• Dress the Chicken

Rescue chicken from its buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip away. Generously coat each piece in the spice-loaded flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to a sizzling 375F. Give it a few minutes to reach the perfect temperature.

• Create Crispy Perfection

Spritz the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Give the tops a light oil spray for extra golden goodness.

• Cook to Crispy Deliciousness

Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway. Watch for a gorgeous golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature hits 165F for safe, juicy chicken.

• Serve and Savor

Let the chicken rest briefly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Flavor Boosting Tips for Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Crispy Chicken Coating Hack: Add crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture for extra crunchiness and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the marinated and coated chicken up to a day in advance, storing in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper amounts to create mild, medium, or hot versions of the chicken for different heat preferences.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners. Use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly and wheat-free.
• Flavor Fusion Possibilities: Experiment with international seasoning blends like za'atar, curry powder, or herbs de Provence instead of traditional spices to create unique flavor profiles.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Crispy Comfort Meal Companions: Pair your air fryer fried chicken with creamy coleslaw for a classic Southern-style dinner that balances the crispy chicken's heat.
• Sauce Sensation Station: Whip up a quick dipping sauce trio featuring tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, and zesty honey mustard to elevate your chicken's flavor profile.
• Sidekick Sides Showcase: Serve alongside crispy waffle fries, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh summer salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that'll make everyone at the table happy.
• Southern-Style Plating Perfection: Arrange the golden chicken on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Storage Tips for Keeping Fried Chicken Crispy

• Refrigeration Rhythm: Store leftover air fryer chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining its crispy texture when reheated carefully.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Revive cold chicken in the air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores the original crispiness without making the meat dry or soggy, ensuring a delicious second serving.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains top quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Marinate and coat chicken pieces up to 12 hours in advance. Keep the prepared chicken in the refrigerator, covered, until you're ready to air fry. This technique saves time and allows flavors to develop more intensely, creating a more delicious final dish.

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer fried chicken brings Southern comfort to your kitchen with minimal oil. Juicy meat and golden-brown crust make this recipe a quick, healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying that you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Marination: Immerse chicken in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce concoction, guaranteeing complete saturation. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep flavors and tenderize the meat.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust coating by blending flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a wide container, creating a flavor-packed dry mixture.
3. Coating and Preparation: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drain. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the spice-laden flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a uniform, crisp exterior. Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C) while coating the chicken.
4. Air Frying Process: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Spray or brush chicken surface with additional oil to maximize crispiness. Cook for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even browning and reaching an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
5. Serving: Rest the chicken briefly to redistribute juices, then serve hot with preferred dipping sauces or accompanying side dishes for a mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Buttermilk bath helps break down proteins, making chicken incredibly tender and infusing deep flavor, so don’t rush the marinating process.
• Coating Technique Matters: Press seasoning mixture firmly into chicken to create a uniform, crispy crust that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Oil Application Tip: Light oil spray ensures golden, crispy exterior without making chicken greasy; use minimal amount for best results.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature hits 165F, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy chicken texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg