Description
Air fryer fried chicken delivers crispy, juicy perfection without the mess of deep frying. Using less oil but maintaining all the crunch and flavor, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while still satisfying your cravings. The air fryer makes it quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs (or breasts, drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for misting
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Mist the chicken with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to help it crisp up.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can dip the chicken in a beaten egg before coating it with the flour mixture.
- You can also use boneless chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for some heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Cook Time: Cooking time: 20-25 minutes