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Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy and Juicy Southern Style

Close-up of crispy, golden-brown air fryer fried chicken, showing the juicy white meat inside.
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Make the best air fryer fried chicken that rivals deep-fried versions. This recipe uses a buttermilk soak and specific dredging technique to achieve a crunchy exterior and juicy interior with significantly less oil.

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 or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to tenderize the meat.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This is your seasoned coating.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not rinse.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to make sure the coating adheres well. For extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken back into the remaining buttermilk for a second, quick dip, and then dredge it again in the flour mixture, ensuring a thick, craggy coating.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches.
  6. Lightly spray the top of the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
  7. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20 minutes.
  8. Flip the chicken pieces. Spray the second side lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crunchy.
  9. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining batches.

Notes

  • For the best results in achieving maximum crispiness, ensure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • If you are using chicken breasts, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
  • This recipe is excellent for creating a healthy fried chicken alternative that tastes like Southern Fried Chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/