Air-Fried Southern Chicken: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Yes, you can create Southern fried chicken in an air fryer. It is a healthier and easier version of the traditional deep-fried dish. The air fryer reduces the fat and calories of this typically calorie-dense food, without compromising on texture and flavour.

To make Southern fried chicken in an air fryer, you will need to dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, coat them in a flour and spice mixture, and then cook in the air fryer for around 25 minutes.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, prepare the buttermilk marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and your choice of seasonings. You can add some pickle brine, hot sauce, honey, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Dijon mustard to enhance the flavour. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure they are fully coated by dipping or turning them in the mixture. You can also use a resealable plastic bag for this step. Seal the bag, removing any excess air, and place it in the refrigerator. The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, leave it overnight or for up to 12 hours. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and keeps it juicy.

After the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior when frying.

Now, you're ready to coat the chicken with the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour (optional), onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together, making sure they are well combined.

Take each piece of chicken and coat it with the dry ingredients. Use your hands or tongs to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or tray and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to absorb some of the moisture and creates a crispier texture.

Finally, use an oil spray or brush to lightly coat the chicken pieces with olive oil or another cooking oil. This step ensures that the breading will crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown colour when fried.

Your chicken is now ready to be placed in the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided earlier, and you'll be on your way to delicious, crispy Southern fried chicken.

Breading the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Firstly, prepare a marinade by combining buttermilk with various seasonings and spices. Buttermilk is a key ingredient as it helps to tenderise the chicken and adds a tangy flavour. You can also add hot sauce for an extra kick, honey for sweetness, or pickle brine for a more intense flavour. Allow the chicken to soak in this marinade for at least 10 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if you want to prepare it in advance. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavours and stays juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add rice flour or cornstarch to the mixture to improve crispness and texture. Make sure to whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. It is important to taste the flour mixture to ensure it is well-seasoned, adding more spices and salt if needed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now it's time to coat the chicken with the breading mixture. First, remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, use tongs or your hands to coat the chicken evenly with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour. You can also double-dip the chicken by repeating the process and coating it with the flour mixture again. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack to rest while you prepare the rest.

Step 4: Spray with Oil

Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken pieces with olive oil or another type of cooking oil. This step is important as it ensures that the breading will crisp up and turn a beautiful, golden brown colour during cooking. Make sure to use enough oil to cover all surfaces of the chicken evenly.

Step 5: Air Fry

Finally, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces, so it is important to monitor the chicken and adjust the timing as needed.

By following these steps, you will achieve a delicious, crispy, and golden breading on your Southern fried chicken cooked in an air fryer. Enjoy!

Air-frying the chicken

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for some extra flavour and a kick. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.

Step 2: Coat the chicken

Using tongs, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered. You can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture to thicken the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the air fryer

Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Make sure the chicken pieces are not overlapping or touching, as the air needs to circulate around them.

Step 4: Air fry the chicken

Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it's ready to serve. You can check the temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer.

Tips:

• The chicken should be golden brown throughout the cooking process. If you notice light pockets of colour, spray a little more oil over it.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you can't fit all the chicken in, cook it in batches.
• Only add cornstarch as needed. If you add too much, the coating will be too thick.
• You can spice up the batter by adding a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper.
• Pat the chicken dry before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture to ensure it's extra crispy and juicy.
• You can marinate the chicken in advance.
• The breading may not stick to skinless chicken, and it may not be as crispy.

Oil spray

When using an air fryer, you need to use oil sparingly compared to deep frying or pan frying. A light coating of oil spray is all that is needed to achieve the desired crispiness. The oil spray creates a micro-layer of oil that the chicken can "fry" in. This method is healthier than submerging the chicken pieces entirely in oil, as they absorb less oil.

It is recommended to use an oil sprayer to apply the oil evenly and generously to the chicken. Olive oil spray is a good option, but other types of oil can also be used, such as canola oil. The oil spray should be applied after the chicken has been coated in the flour mixture and before placing it in the air fryer.

In addition to the oil spray, there are a few other tips to achieve the best results when making Southern fried chicken in an air fryer. It is important to use skin-on and bone-in chicken, as it leads to more flavorful and juicier meat. The chicken should be cooked in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Parchment paper can be used to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. It is also crucial to preheat the air fryer to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer southern fried chicken can vary depending on the cut of chicken used, the size of your air fryer basket, and the desired level of crispiness. However, there are some general guidelines and tips that you can follow to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 350°F to 390°F (180°C to 200°C). Preheating ensures that the crust crisps up quickly and helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.

When cooking the chicken, it is best to place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

The cooking time can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the cut of chicken. For example, chicken strips or tenders will cook faster than bone-in pieces. It is important to monitor the chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Most recipes recommend flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spraying it with cooking spray or oil to ensure even browning and crispness. This is also a good opportunity to check for any dry flour spots on the chicken and spray them with oil to ensure they crisp up.

The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. It is important not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dry and tough meat.

Some recipes suggest that the chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when it is ready. However, it is important to rely on the internal temperature reading rather than the appearance of the chicken, as it can be difficult to gauge doneness solely by appearance.

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender final product.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the settings as needed.

Frequently asked questions