Air Fryer Fried Chicken

If you’re a fried chicken lover living in the South, you know there’s just something magical about biting into that crispy, golden crust to reveal incredibly juicy and flavorful meat inside. It’s total comfort food perfection! But with traditional deep frying, it’s not always the healthiest indulgence.

That’s where this Air Fryer Fried Chicken comes in to save the day (and your arteries)! By using the brilliant air fryer method, you can recreate that signature crunchy exterior and mouthwateringly tender interior while drastically cutting down on fat and calories. Plus, it’s one of the easiest fried chicken recipes you’ll ever make at home.

What makes this the best Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe?

The buttermilk and hot sauce marinade ensures maximum juiciness and flavor
Double-dredging in seasoned flour creates an authentic, crispy outer crust
Air frying eliminates the need for heaps of oil while keeping chicken deliciously crunchy
Cooking in batches means every piece gets perfectly “fried” and golden brown
Options to cook drumsticks, wings, breasts, or your favorite chicken cuts
Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry already
Ready in under an hour for an easy weeknight dinner!

The flavor punch from the buttermilk-hot sauce marinade is an absolute game-changer. It tenderizes the chicken to lock in those appetizing juices while adding a tangy, savory depth of flavor to every single bite. Yum!

Then the double-dredge in all-purpose flour spiced up with garlic, onion, and cayenne gives you that iconic crispy, golden-brown exterior that screams “fried chicken.” Except this is way lighter and healthier thanks to the air fryer’s crisp air circulation rather than globs of oil.

Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

Bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, wings, drumsticks, breasts, etc.)
Buttermilk and hot sauce for marinade
All-purpose flour
Seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning
Cayenne pepper
Canola oil or cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for 1-24 hours.
Dredge chicken in seasoned flour until fully coated.
Arrange chicken pieces in air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
Air fry at 390°F for 25 minutes, flipping and spraying with oil halfway through.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed for best results
Use a parchment liner in basket to catch crumbs and prevent sticking
Pat chicken dry before dredging in flour for an extra crispy outer layer
Spritz any dry flour spots with oil halfway through cooking to brown and crisp
Add more buttermilk, pickle juice, or hot sauce to flour dredge for extra flavor
Keeping oven warm to keep chicken hot and crispy between batches

This easier, lighter, and utterly divine Air Fryer Fried Chicken will transport you straight to the heart of the South with every satisfying bite! Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and tender in the center – it’s the ultimate in crispy, crunchy comfort food.

I can’t wait for y’all to taste how incredibly delicious air fried chicken can be. Whip up a batch with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a homestyle feast your entire family will go crazy over. Enjoy!