Description of this recipe: This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the delicious, crispy satisfaction of traditional fried chicken, but without the greasy mess and added calories. Using the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve incredibly juicy and tender chicken with a perfectly golden-brown, crunchy coating.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy fried chicken without the guilt! The air fryer uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making this a much healthier option.
- Crispy Perfection: The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, resulting in an exceptionally crispy and even coating that rivals traditional fried chicken.
- Juicy and Tender: The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps to lock in moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Easy and Convenient: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and requires minimal effort. The air fryer also eliminates the need for constant monitoring and flipping, making it a convenient weeknight meal.
- Less Mess: Say goodbye to splattered oil and messy cleanup! The air fryer contains all the mess, making cleanup a breeze.
Introduction
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that evokes memories of family gatherings, summer picnics, and irresistible flavors. However, the traditional deep-frying method can be time-consuming, messy, and not the healthiest option. Enter the air fryer – a revolutionary kitchen appliance that allows you to enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less oil and a whole lot more convenience.
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is designed to recreate the authentic fried chicken experience, delivering that irresistible crispy crunch and juicy tenderness that we all crave. The secret lies in a few key techniques: a buttermilk marinade to tenderize the chicken, a well-seasoned flour mixture for maximum flavor, and the precise air frying process to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with this Air Fryer Fried Chicken!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces (2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 wings, and the breast cut into 4 pieces). Note: Using chicken pieces that are relatively uniform in size will ensure even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 cups buttermilk Note: Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and create a flavorful crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Note: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the crispy coating.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt Note: Seasoned salt adds a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Note: Salt enhances the flavor of the flour mixture.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Note: Pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder Note: Garlic powder adds a pungent and savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon paprika Note: Paprika adds color and a slightly smoky flavor.
- Spray olive oil Note: Olive oil helps to promote browning and crispness.
Preparation:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes crisping during air frying. In a large bowl, generously season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a deep bowl. Pour 2 cups of buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are submerged. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of paprika. Whisk or shake the ingredients together until well combined. This seasoned flour mixture will form the crispy and flavorful coating for your air fryer fried chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. One at a time, dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring that it is completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour before placing the coated chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil. This helps to promote browning and crisping during the air frying process. Air fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces, spray the other side with olive oil, and continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack to allow any excess oil to drain. This will help to maintain the crispness of the coating.
COOKING Rating: Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or green beans.
- Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad or some fresh fruit.
- Enjoy it in sandwiches or wraps with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the buttermilk to fully tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
- Spray the chicken with olive oil before and after flipping to promote browning and crisping.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature slightly.
- For extra crispy chicken, try double-dipping the chicken in the flour mixture before air frying.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 24-26 minutes
Total Time: 44-46 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. With its crispy coating, juicy interior, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the greasy mess and embrace the magic of the air fryer for a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any day of the week!
Q&A About Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, keep in mind that they tend to dry out more easily than bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. To help prevent dryness, you may need to reduce the cooking time and ensure that you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Also, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to promote even cooking.
Q2: Can I use different seasonings for the flour mixture?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your liking. Some other great additions include onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (for a little heat), or Italian seasoning. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.
Q3: My air fryer seems to be browning the chicken too quickly. What can I do?
A: If your air fryer is browning the chicken too quickly, try reducing the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 15 degrees Celsius). You can also tent the chicken with a piece of aluminum foil during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.
Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose is designed for baking and frying. You should be able to find a good one at almost any large supermarket chain.
Q5: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
A: Store leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a microwave, although the microwave will make the crust slightly soggy.
