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Ultra Crispy Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Four pieces of golden brown, crispy air fryer fried chicken served on a white plate near a window.
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Make satisfying, golden, and juicy air fryer fried chicken that tastes like the classic version but uses significantly less oil. This recipe delivers ultimate crispiness for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Cooking spray (high-heat oil like avocado or canola)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the juiciest results.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This is your best air fryer chicken breading.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not rinse. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure full coverage.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which prevents crisping.
  6. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving golden brown, crispy air fryer fried chicken.
  7. Air fry for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken pieces, spray the second side with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deeply golden and crunchy.
  8. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, after the first 15 minutes of cooking, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 5-7 minutes.
  • Use chicken thighs for the most tender, juicy air fryer chicken.
  • If you prefer a KFC style air fryer chicken flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried mustard powder to the flour mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/air-fryer-fried-chicken/