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Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy on the exterior and tender within, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken offers all the satisfying crunch of traditional fried chicken, minus the mess of deep frying.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Brining: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 oz cooking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 3 lbs chicken about 10 pieces
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder for breading
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder for breading
  • 1 tsp salt for breading

Instructions

  • Combine smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, buttermilk, and beaten egg in a spacious mixing bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Remove each piece of chicken from the brine, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set each breaded piece aside. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Mist the tops of the chicken liberally with cooking spray. Air fry at 300°F for 20 minutes. Gently turn each piece over, taking care to preserve the crust, and spray the tops once more. Continue cooking at 400°F for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F when tested at the thickest point without touching the bone. Resist the urge to snack on the crispy skin before serving — though if you do, forgive yourself immediately.

Notes

For convenience, use any combination of pre-cut chicken pieces totaling 3 pounds. If using a smaller air fryer basket, cook similar-sized pieces in batches for even frying.
If buttermilk is unavailable, combine 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar as a substitute.
Cooking oil is essential even for air frying. If spray oil is unavailable, transfer corn or vegetable oil to a spray bottle.
Feel free to replace the listed spices in the brine with three tablespoons of your preferred spice blend.
Adjust cook time based on the thickness of the chicken cuts. Always verify doneness with a thermometer, removing the chicken once it reaches 160°F — it will finish cooking as it rests, reaching a safe 165°F internally.