Name: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs skin on chicken (legs and thighs); 2 c. buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; Coating; 2 c. all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp seasoned salt; 1 ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; Oil for spraying chicken - vegetable (canola or olive oil)

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Get crispy, golden brown buttermilk fried chicken in your Air Fryer! This quick and easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken is tender, juicy, and delicious. If you have a craving and want to skip some fat try it this way.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken laying on brown paper background.

If you haven’t bought an air fryer yet I think this crispy air fryer crispy chicken will convince you to do it!

Why this recipe works:

Easier, healthier and just as delicious.
Crispy skin with juicy meat on the inside!
No one will guess it isn’t fried.
No hot oil splattering or extra grease.

Serve it with some corn on the cob and potato salad for a dinner your whole family will love!

Ingredient Tips

For this recipe, you can use a mix of chicken pieces or choose your favorite – I really love making fried legs and thighs. Just be sure to buy bone-in, skin-on chicken!

If you choose to use breasts you might need to add additional cooking time for those because they are larger. Always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

The chicken is coated in buttermilk which it gives it lots of flavor but it also helps the skin crisp up, tenderizes the meat, and just all around makes it so delicious.

The flour is seasoned with a variety of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt and pepper. So much flavor!

Products Needed

How to Make It

Make the seasoned flour: whisk the flour and seasonings together in a shallow baking dish.

Fried Chicken Coating in clear square baking dish before mixing.

Fried Chicken Coating in clear square baking dish after mixing.

Make the buttermilk mixture: whisk the buttermilk with the eggs, salt and pepper in a seperate shallow baking dish.

Buttermilk batter before whisking together in glass square dish.

Buttermilk batter whisked together in square clear dish with whisk in dish.

Prep the chicken: coat each piece in the flour and then dip it in the buttermilk. Coat in more flour and then place it in the air fryer. Spray it with cooking spray.

Chicken Leg in coated in a square dish with more coating in it.

Chicken Leg laying in buttermilk batter in glass square baking dish.

Cook it: arrange the pieces in an even layer in the air fryer and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes at 370 degrees. Flip the pieces over, spray them again, and cook for five to ten minutes longer.

The internal temperature needs to reach at least 165 degree F. I prefer my legs at about 185-190 degrees F to make sure you don’t have any bloody spots around the bone. Don’t worry they will still be juicy!

Recipe FAQs!

How do you know when it’s done? The easiest way to check is with a thermometer. The internal temperature should be at 165 degrees F.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts? I don’t recommend it because you don’t get the crispy skin!
Is it healthier to make it in the air fryer? It’s definitely healthier than regular fried chicken! The only oil you need to use for the air fryer is cooking spray. So, you definitely cut down on the fat and calories when you use your air fryer.
Can I stack the pieces in the air fryer? No, you shouldn’t do that! The pieces need to be in an even layer to cook properly. If you can’t fit all of the pieces cook them in batches. You can keep the cooked ones in a warm oven while you finish the rest.
Does the air fryer cook the chicken faster than frying? It takes longer to cook it in an air fryer, but it’s less messy and easier to make than frying it. Not to mention healthier!

Fried Chicken that is cooked in black round air fryer basket.

Side Dish Ideas

Need some side dish inspiration? Here’s what I love to serve with it:

A cold and creamy salad pairs perfectly like my classic macaroni salad, bacon ranch potato salad or broccoli salad!
For potlucks serve it with deviled eggs, dill pickle dip or dill dip with potato chips for dunking!
We also love it with baked beans or bean salad!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please! Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day!

If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!