Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fry Fried Chicken gives you that classic crispy, golden crust and juicy interior—without the mess or excess oil of deep frying. It’s lighter, faster, and just as satisfying. With a crunchy coating and flavorful seasoning, this air fryer version is perfect for a healthier take on a comfort food favorite.

ingredients

How to Air Fry Fried Chicken 10 Air Fry Fried Chicken gives you that classic crispy, golden crust and juicy interior—without the mess or excess oil of deep frying. It’s lighter, faster, and just as satisfying. With a crunchy coating and flavorful seasoning, this air fryer version is perfect for a healthier take on a comfort food favorite.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bone-in or boneless chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)buttermilkflourcornstarchpaprikagarlic powderonion powdersaltblack peppercayenne peppereggcookings spray (or oil mister)

directions

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor and tenderness).

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dip in egg and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Press to coat well.

Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking spray or oil.

Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Optional: Increase temp to 400°F in the last 3–4 minutes for extra crispiness.

Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 1 hour (optional)Cooking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: about 1 hour 45 minutes with marinating

Variations

Add hot sauce to the buttermilk for spicy marinated chicken.

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Swap paprika and cayenne for Cajun or lemon-pepper seasoning.

Try panko breadcrumbs in the coating for extra crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.To reheat and keep crispy, air fry at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.Freeze fully cooked pieces for up to 2 months—reheat straight from frozen in air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes depending on thickness.

Do I need to use buttermilk?

It helps tenderize and flavor the chicken but you can use milk + vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Why cornstarch in the coating?

It helps create an extra crispy crust when combined with flour.

Should I preheat the air fryer?

Yes, for even cooking and maximum crisp.

Can I stack the chicken?

No, keep pieces in a single layer—work in batches if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked fried chicken?

Yes, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.

What oil spray should I use?

Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola. Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage the air fryer basket.

Conclusion

Air Fry Fried Chicken is a game-changer—crispy, juicy, and made with less oil but all the flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or Sunday comfort food, it brings classic Southern-style chicken to your table the healthier, easier way. Once you try it, you might never go back to deep frying.