Air Fryer Fried Chicken
44 Comments
Posted: 03/06/25
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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.
If you haven’t bought an air fryer yet I think this crispy air fryer crispy chicken will convince you to do it. After you have an air fryer make sure you try out our air fryer chicken parmesan and air fryer chicken legs with chicken legs that are crispy on the outside, juicy chicken on the inside and so easy.
There are so many reasons to love air fryer fried chicken. It’s simple, full of flavor and oh so crispy! You’ll wonder why you ever chose to deep fry it! Serve with some corn on the cob and potato salad for a dinner your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air fryer fried chicken is easier, healthier and just as delicious. You’ll save quite a few calories with this recipe.
- With this simple recipe, you’ll always have chicken with crispy skin with juicy meat on the inside!
- It’s actually quite a bit safer to make fried chicken in an air fryer. There’s no hot oil splattering or extra grease.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Chicken – 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!
- Buttermilk – 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.
- Eggs – Use eggs as another binding agent to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour – This is the base of the coating that makes your chicken crunchy. The flour is seasoned with a variety of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt and pepper. So much flavor!
- Seasonings – Use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic power, seasoned salt, paprika and onion powder to give the chicken flavor. Add spice with a little cayenne pepper or red pepper.
- Oil – Vegetable oil, canola oil or olive oil all work for this recipe. It needs to be in the form of an oil spray for air fryer fried chicken!
Products Needed
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!
how to make fried chicken in an air fryer
Whisk together the flour and seasonings in a shallow dish. Then whisk the buttermilk with the eggs, salt and pepper in a separate shallow dish or shallow bowl.
Dry each piece of chicken well, then coat each piece in the flour and dip it in the buttermilk. Give the pieces one more coating of flour and then place in the air fryer. Spray it with cooking spray.
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 Fahrenheit. I prefer my air fryer chicken legs at about 185-190 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure you don’t have any bloody spots around the bone. Don’t worry they will still be juicy!
Allow to rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Allow leftover to cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven or air fryer until warmed to a safe internal temperature.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breast?
I don’t necessarily recommend it because you likely won’t get the crispy skin! But if you decide to give it a shot, just know that you might need to add additional cooking time. Always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want a good recipe for chicken breast, check out my air fryer chicken breasts!
Is it healthier to fry chicken 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’ll 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.
Can you use batter in an air fryer?
Yes! Just make sure to spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray before you place the battered chicken in it to avoid it sticking to the basket.
Does the air fryer cook the chicken faster than deep frying?
Air frying takes longer to cook than deep frying, but it’s less messy and easier to make. Not to mention, it’s much healthier!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This is one of those fried chicken recipes that pairs well with anything! Serve with classics like mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese. Or go with some other fun sides like broccoli salad and air fryer zucchini.
I love to make some gravy for fried chicken too! Biscuits or fresh, fluffy dinner rolls also pair well with this dish.
Need more ideas? Here’s some tasty options:
- A cold and creamy salad pairs perfectly like my classic macaroni salad, bacon ranch potato salad or broccoli salad! Coleslaw would also be yum!
- 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, bean salad, or Dill Potato Salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- You’ll also want to spray the chicken with oil before cooking it. When you flip it make sure to spray the other side of the chicken. This will crisp up the chicken nicely and keep it from sticking.
- To get crispy air fryer chicken, make sure to cook it at a high heat and arrange it in a single layer without it overlapping so the heat properly circulates around each piece of chicken.
- Always check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done. The internal temperature should be at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
This air fryer fried chicken recipe is a game changer! All the deliciousness of crispy fried chicken, without all the excess oil.
More Great Recipes To Try!
- Cream Peas Recipe
- Ham Cream Cheese Pickle Roll Ups
- What is in a Amaretto Sour?
- Diced Ham Recipe
- Breakfast Enchilada Recipe
- Homemade Caramel Rolls
If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Chicken pieces coated in a buttermilk batter and seasoning then cooked until crispy and juicy in your Air Fryer.
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
Instructions
- Wash and pat chicken dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a square baking dish whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt and pepper until well combined.
- In another square baking dish, whisk together flour, and seasonings.
- Coat chicken with flour mixture. Then dip in buttermilk mixture and dredge in flour mixture again.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil. Then place chicken basket making sure to leave room around each piece to allow air to flow. Spray chicken with oil.
- Cook at 370 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, then flip chicken and spray with oil again.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Serve immediately
- Store leftovers in refrigerator in airtight container
Tips
- 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!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 792kcal (40%), Carbohydrates: 100g (33%), Protein: 46g (92%), Fat: 21g (32%), Saturated Fat: 7g (44%), Cholesterol: 235mg (78%), Sodium: 3225mg (140%), Potassium: 702mg (20%), Fiber: 4g (17%), Sugar: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 753IU (15%), Calcium: 181mg (18%), Iron: 7mg (39%)
Wendy Wyatt says
My kids loved it, golden and crunchy with loads of flavour on the outside but chicken was still succulent and juicy on the inside.
Julie Evink says
Thats so great to hear! Thank you!
Schwarz Pauline says
Why so much sodium and potassium!!!!
Brooke Kill says
I believe it comes from all the seasonings. You can try to replace regular ones with low sodium options to help!
Christine says
I’m dairy & grain free Substituted coconut milk & almond flour Turned out delicious and was super easy to make
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Christine!
VMJ says
Great recipe! Have made it a few times and, it comes out perfect every time ( I skip the buttermilk and sprinkle whith breadcrumbs). Thanks!
A says
I have made this recipe countless times and it’s become one of my partner’s favourite dishes. We are hoping to make this for a trip we’re going on with his family next weekend.. think it would be possible to make this, freeze it (before cooking), and unfreeze + cook when it’s time? Would love to know your thoughts!
Thank you 🙂
Sarah Hill says
Now that is something I haven’t tried! I would maybe do a test batch before the trip and use a freezer safe bag or container to store it and thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Would love to hear how it turns out!
Barbara says
Can I use heavy cream instead of buttermilk? Are eggs necessary?
Ellie says
Absolutely delicious!! Very good & so easy to make. Had to cook it a little longer to get the desired doneness! Need just a little more seasoning but, my husband & I loved it😋
Courtney says
Thank you!
Courtney says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Eve says
Was super excited to try this recipe however no flavour and a big waste of time 😩 my husband couldn’t believe how long I spent and to have no flavour at all
Courtney says
Shoot, I am sorry to hear this. We enjoy this recipe when we make it!