Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken That’ll Change Your Game!

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken That’ll Change Your Game!

Air fryer fried chicken: try this crispy, juicy recipe that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs chicken, about 10 pieces
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten

Method

 

1. Mix the smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, buttermilk, and egg in a large bowl.
2. Place chicken in the bowl and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
3. Preheat your air-fryer to 300°F. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Remove one piece of chicken from the brine, shake off the excess brine, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
4. Spray cooking oil in your air fryer basket until it is completely covered. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil until thoroughly covered. Cook for 20 minutes at 300°F.
5. Carefully flip the chicken pieces so as not to destroy the crust. Spray the top surface of the chicken again with cooking oil until thoroughly covered.
6. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature is 160°F. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Then try not to eat that crispy skin before serving. Forgive yourself if you fail miserably!

Notes

– For a deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
– Don’t skip the cooking oil spray; it helps achieve that golden crust.
– If you like extra spice, add more cayenne or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The secret to achieving crispy air fryer fried chicken lies in the combination of a well-seasoned buttermilk marinade and the high-heat cooking technique of the air fryer. Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer due to its acidity, which helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful. The spices, including smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the Maillard reaction during cooking. This reaction is crucial for developing that golden-brown, crispy exterior. The high-heat circulation of the air fryer ensures even cooking and browning, while the lack of excess oil helps maintain a healthier profile without sacrificing texture.

Troubleshooting

• If your chicken is not crispy enough, try increasing the cooking time by a few minutes or ensuring the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
• If the chicken is dry, ensure you marinate it long enough in the buttermilk (at least 1 hour) to allow for proper hydration and flavor absorption.
• If the coating is falling off, make sure to press the seasoned flour mixture onto the chicken firmly before cooking, and avoid flipping the chicken too frequently during the cooking process.
• If the chicken is cooked unevenly, check that all pieces are of similar size and thickness, as uneven pieces will cook at different rates.

Substitutions

• For buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 Tbsp vinegar) to achieve a similar acidity and tenderizing effect.
• Smoked paprika can be replaced with regular paprika for a milder flavor, but it will lack the smoky undertones.
• If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper without significantly affecting the overall flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, which will still provide a crispy texture.

Pro tips

• For a deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
• Don’t skip the cooking oil spray; it helps achieve that golden crust.
• If you like extra spice, add more cayenne or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.

Try this air fryer fried chicken recipe and enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices for your unique twist!

Frequently asked questions