This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe gives you all the crispy, golden-brown crunch of traditional fried chicken but with less oil, making it a healthier alternative. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—while the seasoning adds incredible flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick, delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Allow any excess liquid to drip off, then dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for air circulation.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer—chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
  6. Optional – Extra Crisp: If you want extra crispiness, you can spray the chicken with a little more olive oil spray and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, juicy air fryer fried chicken!

Nutrition (Per 1 Drumstick or Thigh – Approximate):

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

This air fryer fried chicken is a delicious and healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the mess of deep frying. The result is perfectly crunchy and tender every time, and you can play with seasonings or sauces to make it your own!