What is fried chicken? Crispy, juicy, unbelievably delicious fried chicken…but without all the guilt (or the mess)! My grandma’s fried chicken was legendary. What is a special occasion treat? What is the cleanup? How do you make air fry chicken? It delivers that same soul-satisfying crunch and flavor, but in a fraction of the time and with way more flavor. What is Grandma’s secret recipe? Think of it as the Air Fryer equivalent of your favorite comfort food – and I promise, you won’t. I miss the deep fryer!

What is air fry chicken?

What is an Air Fryer fried chicken? What is the best thing about fried chicken? The juicy interior – and cooking it in an air fryer instead of a deep fryers. Think of it as magic, but with hot air! The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating that signature crispiness we all know and love. What do you crave, while keeping the inside incredibly moist and tender? Is a convection oven on steroids? What’s great is you get that fried chicken taste without all the excess oil and calories. Is it a game changer for those of us who love fried chicken but are trying to be able to eat more vegetables? Is it so good that you might fool your grandma?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is this Air Fryer recipe? What I love about this **Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe** is how easy it is to make. I can whip up this in under an hour. And the flavor? What is out of this world? The chicken is perfectly seasoned, with a crispy, golden-brown crust that just melts in your mouth. Is it healthier than fried chicken? We’re talking about a fraction of the oil and calories. My family loves it, and I feel good about serving it to them.

Flavor:What are some of the best spices in the world? I always use smoked paprika in my dishes. It really elevates the dish!
Simplicity: You don’t need to be a master chef to make this. The steps are straightforward, and the air fryer does most of the work.
Cost-What are the best chicken thighs to buy? What is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice on taste?
Versatility:Can you serve this chicken with many different sides? What are some of the best recipes for mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob? I sometimes shred it and put it in tacos.

If you like quick, easy, and delicious dinners, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Salmon or my Chicken Breast Wrap. One Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies. Is Air Fryer Fried Chicken a must-try?

How do I make air fry chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make this air fry Chicken Recipe? How do you prepare chicken for a flavorful coating? How do you dredge chicken in the coating, ensuring every piece is fully covered. What’s the best way to put a chicken in an air fryer? What are some of the best ways to do this in less than an hour? The air fryer creates a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender. What is the perfect weeknight meal?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the best

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (I prefer thighs because they stay juicier in the air fryer, but breasts work too – just adjust the cooking time)
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of it to a bowl. How do I add white vinegar to 1 cup of milk?
I like Frank’s RedHot hot sauce. I use it in my meals.
What is 1 teaspoon salt?
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon sage.

For the Coating:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cornstarch (This helps create a super crispy coating)!
2 tablespoons of paprika
What is garlic powder? 1 tablespoon per tablespoon.
1 tablespoon onion powder per 1 cup.
1 teaspoon dried thyme per teaspoon.
What is 1 teaspoon dried oregano?
What is 1 teaspoon of salt?
What’s a teaspoon of black pepper?
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) – 1 teaspoon.

For the Spray:

Cooking oil spray (I prefer avocado or olive oil)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Add the Chicken Thighs, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme. Set aside. What are some good substitutes for oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper? Make sure everything is well combined to ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One at a time, dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it’s fully coated. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your Air Fryer to 380°F (190°C). How do you achieve golden brown crust?

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray the Air Fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not sticking to the pan. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. If you are using an air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray the other side with cooking oil spray. Continue air frying for another 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to be sure!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the Air Fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. What makes chicken juicier?

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best air fry chicken recipes? What are the different sides What are some of my favorite combinations of colors?

Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy coleslaw, and corn on the cob. This is my go-to for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Southern Style: Mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. This is perfect for a taste of Southern hospitality.

Light and Fresh: A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, and quinoa. This is a healthier option that’s still packed with flavor.

Global Inspired: Serve the chicken in tacos with your favorite toppings, or pair it with rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Growing up, we always had fried chicken with watermelon in the summer – the sweetness of the watermelon is such a great contrast to the savory chicken. My husband loves it with sweet potato fries and a spicy dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless – get creative and find your favorite combination!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Want to take your **Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe** to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: This is crucial for achieving crispy chicken. Make sure the chicken thighs are in a single layer and not overlapping. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

Spray with oil: Spraying the chicken with cooking oil spray helps it get nice and crispy in the air fryer. Don’t skip this step!

Adjust cooking time: Air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the coating to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Double dredge for extra crispiness: For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk marinade, and then dredge it in the flour mixture again.

I’ve learned over time that the quality of the chicken matters! Free-range chicken always seems to come out more flavorful and juicy. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations. One time I accidentally added too much garlic powder and it turned out amazing! Sometimes mistakes lead to the best discoveries!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover **Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe** (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating in the Air Fryer: The best way to reheat air fryer fried chicken is in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This will help restore some of the crispiness.

Reheating in the Oven: You can also reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating in the Microwave: While not ideal (the chicken will lose its crispiness), you can reheat it in the microwave if you’re short on time. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

If I know I’m going to have leftovers, I sometimes don’t fully cook all the chicken in the initial batch. I’ll undercook it slightly and then finish cooking it when I’m ready to reheat it. This helps prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs. If using breasts, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness and reducing the cooking time by a few minutes. Also, make sure to monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. You may also need to add a bit more liquid to the marinade to help the coating stick.

Do I need to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Plain yogurt also works in a pinch.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting?

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply turn it on to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the easiest, crispiest, most delicious **Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe** you’ll ever make! I truly believe this recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves fried chicken but wants a healthier, less messy option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a simple weekend treat. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer creations – I’m always experimenting with new and exciting ways to use this amazing appliance. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. What are your favorite sides to serve with fried chicken? Happy cooking!