Name: Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken legs and thighs (skin on); 2 cups buttermilk; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups flour; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon seasoned salt; 1 ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; Oil (for spraying)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you have been craving that perfect crunchy and juicy chicken without all the extra oil and mess, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the classic flavors and crispy texture of traditional fried chicken, but with a healthier twist thanks to the air fryer. Each bite offers a golden, flavorful crust with succulent meat inside, all made easier and faster than deep frying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe elevates comfort food to a whole new level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top right, there are several pieces of raw chicken with pale pink and white skin placed on a white rectangular tray. Next to the chicken, there is a clear glass bottle filled with golden oil. Below the bottle, a white bowl is filled with white flour, showing a fluffy, powdery texture. To the right of the bowl, a clear glass jug is filled with white buttermilk that has a smooth surface. In front of the jug, two brown eggs with smooth shells rest side by side on the marbled surface. At the bottom, a small wooden plate holds seven piles of different seasoning powders arranged in a circular pattern, with colors ranging from light beige, white, black, reddish, and orange. The whole setup is bright and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, giving your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe that unbeatable flavor, texture, and color. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the perfect blend of spices, each component plays an important role in creating chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

2 pounds chicken legs and thighs (skin on): Choosing skin-on pieces ensures a crispy coating while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
2 cups buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken perfectly before frying.
2 eggs: Help bind the coating to the chicken for a nice crust.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps balance the seasoning.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complements the spices in the crust.
Oil (for spraying): Used sparingly to crisp up the chicken and promote even browning in the air fryer.
2 cups flour: The essential base for your crispy coating.
1 tablespoon garlic powder: Brings a rich, savory depth to the crust.
1 tablespoon seasoned salt: Adds complexity with a mix of spices beyond basic salt.
1 ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and gives the coating a beautiful golden color.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Builds flavor with a mild, aromatic sweetness.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Added again for a bit more punch in the flour mixture.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances out the seasoning in the flour for a perfectly seasoned crust.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Start by washing your chicken legs and thighs thoroughly, then pat them dry. Removing excess moisture ensures the coating adheres better and the chicken crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Buttermilk Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, and black pepper. This mixture not only flavors the chicken but tenderizes the meat while providing moisture for the dredging process.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Coating Ingredients

In another large bowl, stir together the flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This spice blend will give your chicken that iconic crispy, flavorful crust everyone loves.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking while allowing hot air to circulate and crisp up your chicken perfectly without frying it in oil.

Step 5: Dredge the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and finally coat again lightly in the flour. This double dredge locks in flavor and creates a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Arrange in the Basket

Place each coated chicken piece carefully into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd or stack pieces. Proper spacing ensures even cooking and a crisp crust on all sides.

Step 7: Spray the Chicken

Generously spray the tops of the chicken pieces with oil to help develop a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.

Step 8: Air Fry the Chicken

Set the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. After this time, check the chicken and if any flour coating is visible, apply another light spray of oil.

Step 9: Flip and Continue Cooking

Using tongs, carefully flip each piece, spray again with oil on the other side, then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Check Internal Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature: 185°F for legs and thighs or 165°F for breasts.

Step 11: Batch Cook as Needed

Once the first batch is cooked, repeat the process with remaining chicken pieces, ensuring your basket stays free of overcrowding for consistent results.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

A wooden board is filled with several pieces of golden brown fried chicken including drumsticks and thighs showing a crispy, slightly rough texture. The chicken is sprinkled with small green herb leaves for garnish. Behind the board, there are stacked white plates and a turquoise napkin folded next to fresh parsley. A salt and pepper shaker sit on a white marbled surface in the background. The scene is bright and clear with a close-up focus on the chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a burst of color and a touch of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, rich chicken.

Side Dishes

This fried chicken shines when paired with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a tangy pickled vegetable salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your chicken in a warm biscuit sandwich with a smear of honey mustard or alongside a fresh green salad piled high with sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes for a modern spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the chicken moist while preserving the crispy crust as much as possible.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months this way.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This method helps revive that crispy exterior without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use other chicken cuts in this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While legs and thighs work best for moisture and flavor, you can use breasts or wings too—just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Is it necessary to double dip the chicken in flour and buttermilk?

Yes, the double dredge method creates the signature crunchy crust that holds up well in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying. Just make sure your seasoning blend is also gluten-free to keep every bite safe and delicious.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer isn’t absolutely necessary for this recipe, but it can help the chicken start crisping right away, improving texture and reducing overall cooking time slightly.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The safest and most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach 185°F for legs and thighs and 165°F for breasts to be fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves traditional fried chicken but wants a lighter, easier, and less messy way to enjoy it. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of crispy, juicy fried chicken made effortlessly at home. Once you taste it, I bet this will become one of your go-to comfort food favorites.