Air-Fryer Buttermilk Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Buttermilk chicken is a popular dish, but frying it can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers provide a healthier alternative, requiring minimal oil and creating less mess. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated in flour and corn starch, before being cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture. The result is tender, juicy, and flavourful chicken with a crunchy coating.

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk

For a quick DIY buttermilk, simply combine a cup of milk with a tablespoon of either white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir and let it rest for about five minutes until the mixture curdles. You can also use a combination of whole milk and milk products with an acidic agent such as lemon juice or vinegar. Here are some options:

• 2 cups whole milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups whole milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1¾ cups whole milk yogurt + ¼ cup milk

The chicken can be marinated in buttermilk for up to 24 hours, but if you're short on time, you can leave it for as little as 15 minutes, and it will still work well.

The best oil to use

When making buttermilk chicken in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. You can use any kind of cooking oil you like, such as canola, safflower, olive, or avocado oil. However, it is recommended to avoid aerosol nonstick cooking sprays as they can cause the nonstick coating on the air fryer basket to break down. Instead, use an oil sprayer bottle filled with your choice of oil, or a basting brush to apply the oil.

The key to achieving the perfect crispy, crunchy texture is to use just enough oil to cover the chicken. Using an oil spray bottle or brush will help you control the amount of oil you use and prevent the chicken from becoming greasy. The oil should be applied after coating the chicken with the flour mixture and before placing it in the air fryer.

During the cooking process, if you notice any dry flour spots on the chicken, lightly spray or brush those spots with oil to ensure even browning and crispness.

How to make your own buttermilk

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that adds a distinctive tang to dishes, from salad dressings to fried chicken. Luckily, making your own buttermilk is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own buttermilk at home:

The 10-Minute Method:

If you need buttermilk immediately, this is the method to use. This approach creates an acidic dairy mixture that will work like buttermilk in recipes, bringing that tangy flavour and activating baking soda.

Ingredients:

• Whole or 2-percent milk
• Fresh lemon juice or white distilled vinegar

Steps:

• Prepare your milk: Pour 1 cup of whole or 2% milk into a liquid measuring cup. For a vegan alternative, you can use plant-based milk with equally perfect results.
• Add an acid: For every cup of milk, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This step is crucial as it provides the necessary acidity.
• Let it stand: Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes. You can adjust the quantity based on your requirements.
• It's ready: The acid will slightly curdle the milk, giving it a buttermilk-like texture and taste.

Cultured Buttermilk Method:

This method takes more time (a full day) but yields full-flavoured buttermilk with a store-bought consistency. It involves culturing, the process used to make buttermilk commercially.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of cultured buttermilk
• 1 quart of whole milk, 2% milk, or 1% milk

Steps:

• Prepare your cultured buttermilk: In a lidded container that can hold at least 6 cups, pour in 1/2 cup of cultured buttermilk. A standard Mason jar or any non-reactive container with a lid will work.
• Stir: Pour in 1 quart of milk and stir thoroughly to combine the milk and buttermilk.
• Leave at room temperature: Place the lid on the container and leave it at ambient room temperature on your kitchen counter.
• Wait 12 to 24 hours: The mixture will thicken and develop a tangier flavour the longer you leave it. Depending on your kitchen temperature, it may take longer. Once it reaches your desired texture and flavour, store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• Repeat as needed: When you're down to about half a cup, you can add your homemade buttermilk to fresh milk and repeat the process.

Tips and Tricks:

• Dairy-Free and Vegan Options: You can use coconut milk or soy milk instead of dairy milk. Simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a 1-cup measuring cup and fill the rest with your plant-based milk of choice. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Buttermilk Substitutions: If you don't have the ingredients or time to make buttermilk, there are some alternative substitutions. For every 1 cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 cup of plain yogurt or 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Freezing Instructions: Buttermilk freezes well for up to 3 months. You can even pour it into an ice cube tray for easy use in small amounts.

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating buttermilk chicken is simple and straightforward. Here's a detailed guide:

Storing Buttermilk Chicken:

Firstly, let the fried chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. Make sure to refrigerate it promptly, within a couple of hours, and consume it within four days.

Reheating Buttermilk Chicken:

There are several ways to reheat buttermilk chicken, each with its pros and cons:

Oven:

The oven is the best way to reheat fried chicken and keep it crispy. Here's how:

• Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before reheating to bring it to room temperature. This step helps reduce drying out the chicken.
• Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup ensures that air circulates around the chicken, preventing the bottom of the breading from turning mushy.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 120°F.

Air Fryer:

If you don't want to use the oven, the air fryer is the second-best option. Here's how:

• Let the chicken come to room temperature.
• Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Ensure that the chicken pieces are not crowded in the tray for even and quick cooking.
• Use an internal thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Microwave:

The microwave is a quick option, but it can make the chicken soggy. Here's how to minimise that:

• Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
• Microwave on medium heat for about 1 minute.
• Stir the chicken to ensure even heating.
• Continue microwaving in 15-30 second intervals until the chicken is steaming hot.

Stovetop:

Reheating buttermilk chicken on the stovetop is similar to cooking it again, so it's a bit more labour-intensive. Here's how:

• Place a pan on the stovetop over low-medium heat.
• Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan.
• Once the butter/oil is warm, add the chicken and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes, until steaming hot or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• If the chicken dries out, you can add a small amount of cream to restore moisture.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've made your buttermilk chicken in an air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your juicy and tender chicken:

• Starch Sides: Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potato wedges are all great options to serve with your chicken. You can also make potato salad, which is a refreshing side dish that goes well with the rich savory chicken.
• Vegetables: If you want something healthier, go for steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, skillet green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted cauliflower. These veggies are light and balanced, making them perfect alongside fried chicken.
• Salads: A garden salad or coleslaw can also be a great choice to pair with your chicken. The refreshing cabbage and tangy taste of coleslaw go beautifully with salty fried chicken.
• Comfort Food Sides: For a true southern comfort food experience, try serving your chicken with mac and cheese, baked beans, or candied sweet potatoes. These dishes are sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
• Bread: Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread are also great options to serve with fried chicken. They can help soak up any extra gravy or juices from your meal.
• Fried Sides: If you're feeling adventurous, you can also fry up some sides like hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, or onion rings. These crispy treats will add a nice contrast to your juicy chicken.

Frequently asked questions