This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
This air fryer fried chicken is just as crispy and juicy as you’d expect but without all the fuss of deep frying them! Full of delicious texture and flavor, this tastes like KFC, but so much better for you!
The beauty of using an air fryer is that it reduces the fat and calories of traditionally calorie-dense foods.
We’ve given tons of classics a makeover, including my air fryer chicken nuggets, air fryer turkey bacon, air fryer chicken wings, and even air fryer grilled cheese. Now, we’ve added fried chicken into the mix.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Easy prep. Dip, fry, coat, and air fry; all of this comes together in minutes! The prep time is minimal.
- Healthier. Traditional fried chicken is loaded with extra fat and calories. In this version, there is a fraction of both. Oh, and like air fryer chicken cutlets, the crispy coating has so much flavor.
- Fuss-free. Fried chicken (or any fried food, really) makes quite a mess in the kitchen, but using the air fryer negates all of it completely. Also, the batter doesn’t need any eggs to bind (like air fryer orange chicken).
- Easy to make ahead. Confession- I love eating fried chicken straight from the fridge and I promise you, this tastes just as good and you can even reheat to maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
What I love the most about this air fryer fried chicken recipe is that each piece of chicken will be crispy on the outside with tender, juicy meat inside. Like my oven fried chicken, this chicken is easy to make and so good it hides the fact that it’s healthier.
Ingredients needed
If you’ve ever made fried chicken before, you’ll notice the ingredients are almost identical, except all the oil for deep frying. Here is what you’ll need:
For the marinade
- Chicken pieces. Get bone-in and skin-on chicken, including a mix of thighs, chicken drumsticks, and breasts.
- Buttermilk. A key ingredient in fried chicken. It helps the batter hold onto the chicken better.
- Spices. Salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
For the breading
- Flour. Either all-purpose flour or wheat flour.
- Cornstarch. Thickens the batter.
- Spices. Salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Olive Oil spray. For coating the air fryer basket.
How to fry chicken in the air fryer
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prepare the marinade. Add spices and buttermilk in a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Prepare the flour mixture. Whisk together the ingredients for the breading.
Step 3: Coat the chicken. Using tongs, remove pieces of the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, moving quickly, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
Step 4: Prep the air fryer. Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket.
Step 5- Air fry the chicken. Air fry at 180C/350F for 15 minutes, flip the chicken, spray the chicken again with cooking spray, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, it’s ready to serve.
Ideal cooking time
Remember, the cooking time for the chicken varies and depends on which cut of chicken you use and how full your air fryer basket is.
My #1 tip to check when the chicken is cooked is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Ready to eat chicken should have an internal temperature of 165F (or 155-160F plus resting time of 5 minutes).
Recipe tips and variations
- Pat dry the chicken well before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture, as this will ensure it will be extra crispy and juicy.
- I’ve tested the chicken marinated for up to 24 hours, which is great if you want to prep it in advance.
- Please don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you can’t comfortably fit all the chicken in, cook them in batches.
- The chicken should be golden brown throughout the cooking process. If you notice light pockets of color, spray a little more oil over it.
- Only add the cornstarch as needed. If there is too much, the coating will be too thick.
- If you love my spicy chicken sandwiches or hot honey chicken sandwiches, replicate the spice by adding a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to the batter. Trust me, it reminds me of a KFC zinger burger or spicy southern fried chicken burger.
How to store leftovers
To store. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze. Put the cooked chicken in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
Reheating. You can reheat fried chicken in the air fryer or a preheated oven. Please do not microwave it, or else the skin will be soggy.
More air fryer chicken recipes
- Air fryer chicken breast
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Air fryer chicken drumsticks
- Air fryer chicken tenderloins
- Air fryer whole chicken
- Air fryer chicken patties
- Air fryer chicken parmesan
Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skin-on chicken a mix of bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the breading
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F.
- In a mixing bowl, add the chicken, buttermilk, salt, and pepper, and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the breading mixture together.
- Using tongs, pick up pieces of the chicken and shake off excess buttermilk. Moving quickly, dip the chicken in the breading on both sides.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket. Place a single layer of chicken in it and generously spray it with cooking spray. Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.
I’d like to make this and take it camping/eat it cold. Is it still pretty crunchy when eaten cold?
No it won’t be anywhere near as crunchy when eaten cold.
Believe the hype!
Honestly, this is better than KFC minus all the deep fried nonsense!
Thanks, Ariana!
Loved your air fryer fried chicken!!!
Best air fryer fried chicken recipe I’ve ever made!
Will it work if I go skin less on the chicken ?
You may enjoy my air fryer chicken breast instead.
This was AMAZING!!!
Hello,
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe but the ingredients listed are a bit confusing, inconsistent. You note using garlic powder and onion powder but it is not listed in the ingredients for the marinade or dry ingredients. Can you please clarify which spices are used, and what amounts, in the marinade and the dry ingredients? Thank you!
Yes will fix- thanks for bringing to my attention, Mike! It’s 1/2 teaspoon of each for the breading
Why is the marinade pink / orange if you are only using salt, garlic powder, pepper, and buttermilk? I feel like I’m missing ingredients here.
Onion and garlic powder stated as ingredients however thats the only mention. i assume it would be for the breading mix but quantities are not mentioned, still tasted very nice without them.
Sorry Ian- it’s 1/2 teaspoon of each
The chicken came out super juicy and crispy!
This was the BEST air fryer fried chicken recipe ever.
Delicious! Will try to marinate longer for more flavor next time.
Tastes just like KFC. inside meat was juicy. We will make it again.
Delicious, easy, and thoroughly cooked.
Delicious! I just need a better oil sprayer to really get each part of each piece so ot fries all over. I added Buffalo wing seasoning instead of paprika, and my chicken came out crispy, juicy and so yimmy!
How much onion and garlic powder?
1 teaspoon of each 🙂
Amazing! Very tasty. Absolutely exquisite, i enjoyed it very much.
I tried it and my chicken was the best turn out ever. the chicken was very juicy and tasted fresh I will make it again. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
I have never had luck with air frying chicken and I have to say this delivers on flavor and crispness. My son asked “When did you go out and get KFC?” I did add some garlic salt instead of regular salt and a pinch of cayenne. There was a mention of garlic powder in the notes. It was a delicious recipe.
I can’t use any white flour. Will almond flour work?
You can try!
Amy suggestion for using chicken breast or boneless tenders instead of wings, etc?
Try my chicken parmesan recipe but skip the cheese and sauce on top 🙂 https://thebigmansworld.com/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan/