Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken: Can It Be Done?

Air fryers are a relatively new kitchen appliance that has taken the world by storm. They are touted as a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, using little to no oil. But can you cook Southern fried chicken in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can achieve a crispy, juicy, and tender Southern fried chicken with a golden-brown coating using an air fryer. The key is in the preparation and cooking technique, which includes brining, dredging, and cooking in batches to ensure even cooking and that coveted crunch. While it may not taste exactly like the deep-fried version, it comes pretty close and is definitely worth a try!

How to get the right texture and colour

To get the right texture and colour, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to brine the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, egg, pickle juice, hot sauce, and honey. This not only adds flavour but also tenderises the meat and helps lock in moisture. After brining, the chicken should be dredged in a well-seasoned flour mixture. This flour coating will give the chicken that signature crispy texture when fried. It is important to note that a thick breading may not cook evenly in the air fryer, so it is best to go for a lighter coating.

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, it is crucial to lightly coat it with oil or cooking spray. This step ensures that the chicken crisps up and achieves that beautiful golden brown colour. The oil acts as a micro-layer, helping to create an evenly browned and crispy exterior. It is also important to preheat the air fryer to the right temperature, which is typically around 350°F to 380°F.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip the chicken halfway through and spray with oil again to ensure even cooking and browning. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, with a crispy and golden brown exterior. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

By following these steps, you can achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful Southern-fried chicken with a crispy, golden texture and colour.

The importance of oil

You can definitely cook Southern fried chicken in an air fryer. It's a healthier way to make this dish as it uses little to no additional oil. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, so it's important to remember that you should never place wet batter in an air fryer. Instead, use a coating.

Now, onto the importance of oil. While you need much less oil in an air fryer than for deep frying, some oil is still necessary for crispy fried chicken. The first step is to add oil to the air fryer basket (you'll line it with foil first), which is important to ensure the chicken crisps where it's in contact with the basket. Then, you'll use cooking spray to coat the chicken all over before frying, creating a micro-layer of oil for the chicken to fry in. Don't hold back here: spray the oil all over the chicken pieces until no dry flour is visible.

If you notice light pockets of colour, spray a little more oil over the chicken. If you don't use enough oil, the breading will have a slightly powdery texture. The oil will help the breading crisp up and turn a beautiful, crunchy golden brown colour.

It's important to remember that air-fried chicken will not taste like it's been fried in oil. It will be crispy and golden, but the greasy deliciousness of deep-fried foods is in a league of its own.

Preparing the chicken

Soaking and Marinating:

Before coating the chicken, it is recommended to soak it in a combination of buttermilk, egg, pickle juice, hot sauce, and honey. This adds flavour and tenderness to the meat. The salt and acid in the mixture lock in juiciness and enhance the taste. The chicken can be soaked in this mixture for a few hours or even overnight.

Drying and Coating:

After marinating, pat the chicken dry. This step is important as it helps the coating adhere better. Next, prepare a breading mixture. A basic mixture includes flour, baking soda, spices, and herbs. You can also add rice flour and a bit of baking powder for an extra crispy texture. Using tongs, dip each piece of chicken into the breading mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Cooking Spray and Air Frying:

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or line it with foil and add some oil. This step ensures the chicken doesn't stick and helps achieve an even, crispy exterior. Place the chicken in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don't touch so that air can circulate around them. Spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or lightly coat them with oil to help the breading crisp up.

Air Frying Temperature and Time:

Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking Southern fried chicken at around 350°F to 380°F. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of chicken pieces. For boneless chicken strips, cook for about 8 minutes per side. For bone-in pieces, cook for about 15 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for an additional 5-12 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F for white meat or 175°F for dark meat.

Remember to check the chicken frequently during the cooking process, especially towards the end, to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while cooking the rest.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for southern fried chicken in an air fryer depend on the cut of chicken and how full your air fryer basket is. It is recommended to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). For white meat, the internal temperature should be 165 °F, and for dark meat, it should be 175 °F.

One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 350 °F (180 °C). Then, air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, flip it, spray it again, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Another source recommends a temperature of 380 °F (193 °C). They suggest that any cooler and the chicken will not be crispy enough, and any hotter will likely burn the chicken before it is cooked through. This source also recommends cooking the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of chicken and the size of your air fryer basket. It is recommended to check the chicken frequently, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, and adjust the temperature and time accordingly to achieve the desired level of doneness.

To reheat fried chicken, it is best to use an air fryer or a preheated oven. Microwaving the chicken may result in soggy skin.

Reheating and storing

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is a great way to consume chicken leftovers. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, which helps to revive the chicken's crispiness, unlike a microwave, which can make it soggy.

Reheating

To reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F (182-204°C). Preheating is essential to ensure that the chicken reheats evenly and retains its crispy texture. While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover fried chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch, to allow for even air circulation. You can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil to enhance crispiness, but this is optional. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, flipping halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Storing

Leftover fried chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, put the chicken in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions