Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken that's healthier, less messy, and quicker than deep-frying. The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the cut of chicken you're using, but generally, it takes around 25-30 minutes to cook fried chicken in an air fryer.

How to make Southern fried chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken (a mix of bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
• Buttermilk
• Oil spray
• Eggs
• Flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Milk (optional)
• White vinegar (optional)

Method

• Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to a bowl with buttermilk. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for some heat. Let the chicken sit for at least an hour or up to overnight.
• Prepare the breading mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some cornstarch to thicken the batter.
• Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and roll it again in the flour, making sure it's completely coated. Set the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
• Spray with oil: Generously spray all sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray. Make sure to coat it entirely, as any missed parts will stay white when air-fried.
• Air fry the chicken: Place 4-5 pieces of chicken in the air fryer basket, or as many that fit in a single layer. Air fry at 360-380°F for 15-20 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat and store: To reheat, place the fried chicken in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for 7-10 minutes. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Tips:

• Always coat the chicken with oil or butter before air frying. This helps the breading crisp up and gives it a golden-brown color.
• Go easy on the breading. A thinner coat will crisp up better and be less fragile.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, making sure to leave space between the pieces for air to circulate.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for the best Southern fried chicken in an air fryer

Use parchment paper

Putting a layer of parchment paper in your air fryer will help to stop the chicken from sticking to the basket or tray. It also makes cleaning up easier!

Cook in a single layer

Cooking your chicken in a single layer will help it to cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If you have more chicken than fits in your air fryer, cook it in batches.

Serve fresh

Southern fried chicken is best served fresh and hot, straight from the air fryer. This will ensure the chicken is at its most crispy.

Be generous with the oil spray

Coating the chicken with oil spray will help to get the crispiest chicken. Make sure all parts of the chicken are covered with oil, or they will stay white and floury.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer will help the crust to crisp up quickly and ensure the chicken is cooked evenly.

Use a meat thermometer

To check that your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to store and reheat Southern fried chicken made in an air fryer

Storing

Leftover Southern fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four or five days. It's best to place the chicken in the container in a single layer to avoid the pieces touching and pulling off the coating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Southern fried chicken and retain its crispy texture is to use an air fryer. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat at 370°F/190°C for about seven minutes. You can also spray the chicken with a little oil to maximise crispiness.

Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the oven. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for eight to 10 minutes.

It is not recommended to reheat fried chicken in the microwave as this will make the exterior soggy.

What to serve with Southern fried chicken

There are many side dishes that go well with Southern fried chicken. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A summer salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions will complement your fried chicken beautifully. A light coating of olive oil and tangy vinegar will bring the dish together. Alternatively, a green salad with mint and leafy vegetables is a versatile option that will add a healthy kick to your meal.

Vegetables

Green beans are a super-healthy option that works well with fried chicken. For something a little different, try frying up some okra. You could also boil some vegetables—in the summer, fresh vegetables like corn and cucumbers are a great option, while potatoes and squash are ideal in the winter.

Breads

Buttery biscuits are a savory match for fried chicken, while cornbread is a filling option that will add a soaking taste to your meal. If you're looking for something with a little more spice, try frying up some hush puppies—they'll bring a sweet and salty taste to your dinner.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that will provide a delicious counterbalance to the crunchy texture of fried chicken. For something a little healthier, you could try boiling potatoes. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, potato wedges are a great option—try dipping them in ketchup or ranch dressing.

Other Options

Macaroni and cheese is a restaurant-worthy side dish that will provide a textural contrast to the crunchy chicken. Baked beans are another classic side that will fill you up, or you could try something a little different, like black-eyed peas. Coleslaw is always a good choice, offering a tangy contrast to the savory richness of the chicken.

How long to air fry chicken

Air-frying chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying, and it's a great way to get that crispy, golden, and crunchy fried chicken texture without the mess and calories of traditional frying. Here's a guide to how long you should air fry your chicken to achieve the best results.

Preparation

Before air-frying your chicken, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your chicken is juicy and flavourful. Firstly, prepare a marinade or brine using a combination of buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add a little honey for some extra sweetness. Let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 10 minutes or up to overnight. This helps to lock in moisture and flavour.

Next, prepare a flour mixture or dredge. A basic mixture would include all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. You can also add rice flour to make the coating extra crispy and reduce the chances of it becoming soggy. Dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breading to set.

Finally, coat the chicken pieces generously with oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it ensures the chicken crisps up nicely and helps to prevent any floury spots. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or a cooking spray, but be sure to cover every inch of the chicken so that it cooks evenly.

Cooking Time

Now, for the main event – how long to air fry your chicken! The cooking time will depend on a few factors, including the type of chicken pieces you're using and the size of your air fryer. In general, you'll want to air fry your chicken at a temperature between 350°F and 380°F.

For chicken thighs and drumsticks, cook for 15-20 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For chicken breasts, which tend to be larger, cook for 15 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in performance, so be sure to check on your chicken periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat to ensure it's fully cooked.

Tips for Success

• Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• If you're making a large batch, keep the cooked chicken warm in a preheated oven at 200°F while you cook the rest.
• Don't skip the oil or cooking spray! It's essential for achieving that crispy, golden texture.
• If you want to add extra spice to your chicken, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
• For the juiciest results, use bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces.

Now you're ready to air fry your chicken like a pro! Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and healthier version of your favourite fried chicken.

Frequently asked questions