Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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!

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.

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!!