Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Are you craving a mouthwatering fried chicken experience that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe! This beloved classic dish is elevated to perfection with a special buttermilk marinade and a flavorful coating of herbs and spices. Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve chicken perfection right in your own kitchen.
Introduction: Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people all around the world. With our Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe, you can recreate the magic of this timeless dish at home. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, resulting in chicken that is crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this fried chicken recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients: To make our Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken, you will need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for coating the chicken
Marinating the Chicken: The secret to tender, flavorful fried chicken lies in the buttermilk marinade. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the buttermilk and become tenderized.
Preparing the Coating: While the chicken marinates, prepare the seasoned flour coating. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend will ensure that every bite of chicken is packed with delicious seasoning.
Coating the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating. This step will give the chicken its signature crispy exterior when fried.
Preheating the Air Fryer: Before cooking the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves the perfect level of crispiness.
Cooking the Chicken: Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the top of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to help them achieve a golden brown color.
Monitoring the Cooking Process: Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Fried chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or macaroni and cheese. Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion: With our Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of crispy, flavorful fried chicken right in your own home. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a delicious meal for one, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So fire up your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience fried chicken perfection like never before!
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil for coating the chicken
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This step helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Coat the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, one by one, coat each piece of chicken with the flour mixture. Be sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
Preheat and grease the air fryer basket: Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.
Air fry the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray the top of the chicken pieces with a little more cooking spray.
Cook the chicken: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of your air fryer, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.