Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Fried Chicken laying on brown paper background.
Print Recipe
4.91 from 113 votes

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Chicken pieces coated in a buttermilk batter and seasoning then cooked until crispy and juicy in your Air Fryer.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 792kcal
Author: Julie Evink

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

Notes

  • 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

Calories: 792kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 235mg | Sodium: 3225mg | Potassium: 702mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 753IU | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 7mg