Make Crispy Air-Fryer Fried Chicken With These Tips

Air fryer fried chicken is a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. It's juicy, tender, and full of flavour, with a crispy, golden coating. The air fryer reduces the fat and calories of traditionally calorie-dense foods, and there's less mess to clean up afterwards. You can use a variety of chicken cuts, including thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, and the cooking time is usually around 15-20 minutes. The key to getting that crispy coating is to use a cooking spray or oil mister to ensure all the flour is coated. You can also add spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to give it extra flavour. So, if you're looking for a tasty, healthier fried chicken option, air fryer fried chicken is definitely worth trying!

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step in achieving that classic fried chicken tenderness. The buttermilk also helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken, creating a crispy outer layer.

Firstly, prepare a large bowl of buttermilk, adding enough to completely cover the chicken pieces. You can also add some hot sauce to the buttermilk to bring in some heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and then submerge it in the buttermilk. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or you can even leave it overnight for maximum tenderness.

After the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to coat the chicken with the flour mixture. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid. Then, using tongs, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on a baking sheet or wire rack to rest while you prepare the air fryer. It's important to give the chicken a chance to air dry before placing it in the air fryer, so it's best to leave it for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the coating adheres well and results in an extra crispy finish.

Use a flour coating

Using a flour coating is a crucial step in achieving that perfectly crispy air-fried chicken. Here's a detailed guide on how to use a flour coating to make your chicken crispy:

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well to ensure a uniform coating for your chicken.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture. Use tongs or your hands to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Dip in Buttermilk

After coating the chicken with flour, dip it into a bowl of buttermilk. Buttermilk not only adds flavour to your chicken but also helps the flour mixture stick better. Make sure the chicken is well-coated before moving on.

Step 4: Second Flour Coating

For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken into the flour mixture once again. This double flour coating will give your chicken that extra crunch. Make sure to coat the chicken completely and shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Set on a Baking Sheet

After the final flour coating, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. This will allow the coating to adhere better to the chicken and help prevent any sticking to your air fryer basket.

Step 6: Spray with Oil

Generously spray all sides of the chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it will help the chicken achieve that golden brown colour and crispy texture. Make sure to coat the chicken entirely, as any missed parts may stay white and floury.

Step 7: Air Fry

Finally, place the chicken pieces into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using a flour coating is a simple and effective way to get crispy air-fried chicken. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken with that perfect crunchy coating!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making fried chicken. It ensures that the crust crisps up quickly and is ready to go when the chicken reaches the right temperature. This step is especially important if you want to make sure your chicken is cooked evenly and has a nice golden colour.

Different air fryers heat up at different rates, so preheating will ensure your chicken comes out perfectly, no matter the air fryer model. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F or 360°F, depending on the recipe you are following. You can also preheat your air fryer to 350°F, which is a good temperature for cooking chicken.

If you are using an air fryer for the first time, it is a good idea to preheat it before you start cooking. This will help you get a feel for how the air fryer works and how long it takes to heat up. Preheating your air fryer will also help you avoid any potential issues with your chicken sticking to the basket or tray.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you are doing it correctly and safely. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting that you can use, but if yours doesn't, you can simply set the temperature to the desired level and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next step of the recipe and start cooking your chicken!

Mist the chicken with oil

Misting the chicken with oil is an important step in the air frying process. This is because the oil helps to "fry" any leftover coating that hasn't been cooked yet. It also helps to create a crunchy texture and ensures that the chicken doesn't taste like flour.

When misting the chicken with oil, it's important to be generous and make sure that all areas of the chicken are coated. This is a key step in getting the crispiest chicken possible. If there are any areas that are not coated with oil, they may stay white and floury after cooking.

It is recommended to use an oil mister to apply the oil, as this allows for precise control over the amount of oil used. Additionally, aerosol non-stick cooking sprays should be avoided, as they may contain additives that can damage the coating of the air fryer basket over time.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to check the chicken halfway through and mist any dry spots with additional oil. This will help ensure an even and crispy final product.

Cook for 15-20 minutes

Now it's time to cook your chicken! Place your chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces are not overlapping. It's fine if they touch, but they need space for airflow to cook evenly.

Set your air fryer to 350-390 °F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 5-12 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.

If you are cooking chicken breasts, they may need less time, around 25 minutes in total. Chicken tenders will take even less time, around 15-16 minutes.

Frequently asked questions