Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Name: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: PT-483887H16M20S
Total time: PT-483887H16M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp paprika; Spray olive oil

Isabella

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If you’re craving the crispy goodness of fried chicken without the guilt, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is your answer. By using an air fryer, you can achieve that delightful crunch with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. Follow these simple steps to create tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned coating.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

1 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces

1 tsp kosher salt

2 cups buttermilk

1 tsp ground black pepper

For the coating:

1 tbsp seasoned salt

1 tsp kosher salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp garlic powder

Spray olive oil

1 tbsp paprika

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Coating:

In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.

Coat the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

Air-Fry the Chicken:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.

Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes.

Flip the chicken pieces using tongs.

Spray the tops of the chicken pieces again with olive oil.

Continue to air fry for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for white meat and 175°F (80°C) for dark meat.

Serve:

Once cooked, transfer the air fried chicken to a serving platter.

Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite sides.

Serving Tips:

Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the air fryer fried chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for added flavor options.

Side Dishes: Pair your air fryer fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Family Style: Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on a large platter for a family-style presentation, making it easy for everyone to grab their favorite pieces.

Party Platter: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for a party platter and serve with toothpicks for a convenient and delicious finger food option.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover air fryer fried chicken in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even reheating.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the leftovers, place the cooled fried chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. Label and date the container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Thawing: Thaw frozen air fryer fried chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its texture.

Safety Note: Do not reheat chicken more than once and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure food safety.

Related Recipes:

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

FAQs:

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken pieces like chicken tenders or boneless thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless pieces tend to cook faster than bone-in cuts.

Why do I need to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. It also helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, ensuring a crispy crust when air fried.

How can I ensure my air fryer fried chicken turns out crispy?

To achieve crispy air fryer fried chicken, make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Lightly coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking and spray with olive oil again to ensure even crispiness.

Can I use different seasonings for the coating?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste preferences. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Experiment with different seasonings to create your perfect flavor profile.

Conclusion:

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is a perfect choice for those who crave the taste and crunch of fried chicken but prefer a healthier cooking method. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, you can enjoy every bite guilt-free. Serve it up for a family dinner or a casual gathering – either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

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