Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken legs and thighs (skin on)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Flour Coating
- 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
Others
- Oil (for spraying)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and dry the chicken pieces thoroughly to remove any excess moisture, which ensures better coating adherence.
- Make buttermilk mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare flour coating: In a separate large bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- First flour dredge: Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture, tapping off any excess flour for a light coating.
- Buttermilk dip: Next, dip the floured chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
- Second flour dredge: Return the chicken pieces to the flour mixture for a final light coating that will create a crispy crust.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, being careful not to stack them to ensure proper air circulation.
- Oil spray: Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with oil to aid browning and crispiness.
- First cook: Air fry the chicken at 370°F (188°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Mid-cook check: Check for visible flour on the chicken; if present, spray lightly with oil to promote even cooking.
- Flip and oil: Flip the chicken pieces carefully using tongs and spray the other side with oil.
- Finish cooking: Continue air frying for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy.
- Temperature check: Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C) for legs and thighs to ensure safe consumption.
- Repeat batch: If cooking in batches, repeat steps 5-14 for the remaining chicken pieces.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air flow and even cooking.
- Spraying oil before and during cooking helps the coating become crispy and golden brown.
- The double dredging process with flour and buttermilk ensures a thick, crunchy crust.
- Internal temperature is critical for food safety: 185°F for legs and thighs, 165°F for breasts.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces and air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American