How Do You Fry Chicken in an Air Fryer

Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your ingredients and tools. For air fryer fried chicken, you’ll need:

• Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts work best for maximum flavor and juiciness. A whole chicken cut into pieces is economical, but pre-cut pieces save time.
• Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Flour and Seasonings: All-purpose flour combined with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for heat creates a flavorful coating. Cornstarch can be added for extra crispiness.
• Oil Spray: Olive oil or vegetable oil in a spray bottle ensures the breading crisps up without excess grease.
• Air Fryer: Any model with a basket or tray will do, but ensure it’s large enough for your chicken pieces to sit in a single layer.

You’ll also need tongs, a meat thermometer, and parchment paper with holes (optional, to prevent sticking and ease cleanup).

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Here’s how to make crispy, juicy fried chicken in your air fryer:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag, then pour in enough buttermilk to cover them. Add a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, plus a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Let the chicken soak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, or even overnight for maximum tenderness. The buttermilk’s acidity breaks down the meat’s fibers, ensuring it stays juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of cornstarch (for extra crunch), 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. For a Southern-style twist, you can add 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture and stir lightly to create small lumps—these will add texture to the crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Use tongs to dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a powdery finish. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack or foil-lined tray to rest while you preheat the air fryer.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking, or line it with perforated parchment paper (ensure the paper is weighed down by the chicken to avoid it flying into the heating element). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap—air circulation is key for crispiness. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Spray the top of the chicken pieces generously with oil. This helps the breading crisp up and turn golden. Cook at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip the pieces using tongs. Spray any dry or floury spots with more oil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, inserting it into the thickest part without touching the bone.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Serve hot with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or air fryer biscuits. For a KFC-inspired meal, try pairing it with homemade coleslaw or air fryer green beans.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even air circulation. Overlapping pieces will result in uneven cooking and soggy spots.
• Check for Floury Spots: Halfway through cooking, check for any dry flour patches and spritz them with oil to ensure a uniform crust.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: The skin helps create that crispy texture, and bones conduct heat for even cooking. If you prefer skinless, the breading may not adhere as well, but it’s still doable.
• Reheat Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave—it makes the crust soggy. Instead, place the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway, to restore crispiness.

Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken Works

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens that circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for gallons of oil. Compared to deep frying, air frying uses a fraction of the oil—often just a light spray—making it a healthier option. The result is a crust that’s 90-95% as crispy as traditional fried chicken, with significantly less mess and cleanup. Plus, you don’t have to deal with disposing of used oil or scrubbing a greasy stovetop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip the buttermilk soak—it’s crucial for tender, flavorful chicken. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference.
• Using Too Much Flour: A thick breading can turn powdery in the air fryer. Stick to a single dip in the flour mixture, and avoid double-dipping unless your air fryer can handle the extra coating without leaving dry spots.
• Not Using Oil Spray: While air frying is low-oil, skipping the spray entirely can leave you with a floury, uneven crust. A light mist is enough to mimic the deep-fried texture.

Customizing Your Fried Chicken

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce for a Nashville-style heat.
• Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the breading for an aromatic twist.
• Breadcrumb Coating: Swap flour for panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. Dip the chicken in egg first to help the crumbs stick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Air fryer fried chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic Southern meal, serve with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and cornbread. For a lighter option, try a green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeding kids, pair it with air fryer tater tots or mac and cheese. For a complete recipe lineup, check out Simply Recipes’ take on air fryer fried chicken for inspiration on sides and presentation.

With this method, you’ll get all the crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, delivering that finger-lickin’ goodness with less guilt and cleanup. So fire up your air fryer, grab some chicken, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress!