Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Indulge in the irresistible delight of homemade fried chicken with a healthier twist. This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe guarantees a perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy tenderness. Discover why this recipe is a must-try and learn how to make it with ease. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone craving more.

 

About My Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

Embark on a culinary adventure with this incredible Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe. Experience the joy of savoring golden-brown chicken with a crunchy exterior and moist interior. It's a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken, offering a healthier cooking method without compromising on flavor.

 

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Prepare to fall in love with this recipe for Air Fryer Fried Chicken. The combination of tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and a flavorful blend of spices creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist. With the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispy coating without the need for deep frying. It's a guilt-free indulgence that will have you coming back for seconds.

 

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Here's What You'll Need:

To create this delectable Air Fryer Fried Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Opt for chicken thighs to ensure juicy and flavorful results.
• ½ cup (121g) buttermilk: The buttermilk acts as a tenderizing agent and imparts a subtle tangy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Add a touch of heat and additional depth of flavor to the marinade.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhance the savory profile of the chicken with a hint of garlic.

For the seasoned flour coating:

• 1 cup (136g) all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that adds texture and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create an extra crispy crust.
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky aroma and depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 2 teaspoons onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with these simple steps:

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Marinate the chicken thighs in this mixture for up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful seasoned flour will be the key to achieving a deliciously crispy coating.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge both sides of the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated, pressing gently to adhere the flour.
5. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces for even browning. Lightly spray the chicken with oil to promote a golden crust.
6. Cook for 10-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs. At the halfway point, give the chicken a quick spray of oil to cover any flour spots and carefully flip them to ensure both sides are evenly cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F /

74°C for perfectly cooked chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Air Fryer Fried Chicken alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal. Drizzle with hot sauce or honey for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.

 

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. Simply cover the chicken in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy exterior and enjoy another round of deliciousness. Embrace the joy of homemade fried chicken without the guilt, and savor every bite of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe. It's a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

 

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Experience the ultimate crispy indulgence with Air Fryer Fried Chicken—tender and juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Prep Time: 5minutes

Cook Time: 15minutes

Servings: 4

 

Ingredients:

Marinade

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup (121g) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoned Flour

• 1 cup (136g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix buttermilk, hot sauce, and garlic powder into a bowl and marinate chicken for up to 4 hours.
2. In another bowl combine, flour, corn-starch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat Air Fryer to 400F / 200C.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, and dredge both sides in the seasoned flour until it is well coated. Repeat for all the pieces.
5. Place breaded chicken in the Air Fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces and lightly spray with oil.
6. Cook for 10-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. Halfway through cooking, spray the chicken with oil to cover the flour spots and carefully turn the chicken to cook both sides evenly. Start testing at about 12 minutes, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165F / 74C.

Notes:

• Using chicken thighs will give you juicy pieces of chicken that are perfect alone, on sandwiches or paired with waffles. 
• Leave space between each piece of chicken in the fryer basket for even browning. 
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to brown both sides. 
• Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. Begin testing for doneness around 12 minutes. 
• Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.
• Storage – leftovers must be refrigerated. Cover in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days. 
• There are 7 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.