Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Healthier Than Ever!

If you’re a fried chicken lover but crave a healthy, less-mess alternative, then air fryer fried chicken is your solution. Savor crunchy, golden-colored exterior, juicy tender chicken, and all the flavor—with no added oils and deep-frying hassle.

In this article, you will learn to make ideal air fryer fried chicken with simple ingredients and a simple, step-by-step instruction. As a seasoned chef at home, a new owner with an air fryer, or somewhere in between, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking routine.

Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a Game-Changer

✅ Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying

Traditional deep-fried chicken absorbs a lot of oil, and therefore, it is rich in calories and unhealthy fats. Air frying, in contrast, can produce a similar crunchy exterior with 75% less oil, and that is a healthy alternative.

✅ Crispier Than Oven-Baked Chicken

Oven-baked chicken doesn’t have that crunchy, crispy exterior that deep-fried chicken possesses. With a quick circulation of hot air in an air fryer, you have both worlds’ best: perfect crunchiness on the outside, and tender, juicy interior.

✅ Faster Cooking Time

Forget waiting for your oven to heat up, not to mention deep frying in bulk. Air fryers have a shorter cooking period, about 20-25 minutes, compared to over an hour with traditional methods.

Ingredients for the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, wings, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderness and flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp baking powder (lightens the coating)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

For Cooking:

• 1 tbsp olive oil spray or any high-smoke-point oil

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating in buttermilk breaks down proteins, making the chicken juicier and more flavorful.

1️⃣ Place the chicken in a bowl.
2️⃣ Pour the buttermilk over it and add salt & pepper.
3️⃣ Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best results).

Pro Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

The secret to crispy air fryer fried chicken is the perfect dry coating.

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings.
2️⃣ Take each piece of marinated chicken and coat it generously in the flour mixture.
3️⃣ Shake off excess flour and let it sit for 5 minutes (this helps the coating stick better).

Why Cornstarch? It absorbs moisture and creates extra crunch—a secret used in KFC-style fried chicken!

Step 3: Preheat & Arrange the Chicken

1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray.
3️⃣ Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
4️⃣ Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil (this helps with browning).

Tip: Avoid overcrowding! Air circulation is key to crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken to Perfection

1️⃣ Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
2️⃣ Flip the chicken halfway through at 12 minutes and spray lightly with more oil.
3️⃣ Continue air frying for another 10-13 minutes until golden brown & crispy.

✅ The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
✅ Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

For Extra Crispy Chicken: Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F at the end.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Pair your crispy, juicy fried chicken with:

🍗 Classic sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Mac & cheese
• Coleslaw
• Biscuits

🍗 Healthy alternatives:

• Roasted vegetables
• Air-fried sweet potato fries
• A fresh green salad

🍗 Dipping sauces:

• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce

Pro Tip: Let the fried chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist inside.

Recipe Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔥 Can I Use Boneless Chicken?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time to 15-18 minutes for boneless chicken breasts or tenders.

🔥 Can I Make This Without Buttermilk?

Yes, use a mix of milk + lemon juice/vinegar or plain yogurt as a substitute.

🔥 Why is My Chicken Not Crispy?

• You may have overcrowded the air fryer—cook in batches.
• You may not have used enough oil spray—lightly mist for golden brown crispiness.
• Your air fryer temperature may be too low—increase to 400°F for the last 3 minutes.

🔥 Can I Store & Reheat Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Final Thoughts: The Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Making air fryer fried chicken is easier, healthier, and just as delicious as traditional deep-fried chicken. With a crispy, golden coating and tender, juicy meat, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.

If you’re a fan of recipes for an air fryer, don’t forget to try out our Air Fryer Salmon Recipe—one of many quick, healthy, and delicious options that pair perfectly with a plate of crunchy air-fried vegetables.

Ready to try? Let us know your experiences in the comments section! And for more air fryer recipes, have a look at our best air fryer recipes collection.