Tillie Doyle
Air fryers have become incredibly popular, and one of the most sought-after recipes is Southern-style fried chicken. This recipe is easy to make, healthy, and delivers juicy chicken with a crispy coating. The key to achieving this is to brine the chicken in buttermilk, pickle juice, and seasonings, and then coat it with a mixture of wheat flour and rice flour. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internal Temperature | 165 °F (74 °C) |
| External Appearance | Crispy and golden brown |
| Oil | Olive oil, cooking spray |
| Breading | Flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs |
| Marinade | Buttermilk, egg, pickle juice, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika |
| Sides | Salads, cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, tater tots, asparagus, corn on the cob, chips, baked potatoes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or up to 5 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer or preheated oven, not in the microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, egg, and pickle juice
Preparing the Buttermilk Mixture:
Start by making the buttermilk marinade, which forms the base of your brine. If you're using store-bought buttermilk, you can simply measure out the required amount. However, if you're making your own, combine milk and vinegar in a bowl or measuring cup. Stir the mixture a few times and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.
Now, it's time to add the magic ingredients: pickle juice and seasonings. For the pickle juice, you can use the brine from a jar of store-bought pickles or even homemade pickles. Drain about 1 cup of pickle juice and whisk it together with the buttermilk. You can also add sliced garlic cloves for an extra flavor boost. If you're feeling adventurous, include a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Marinating the Chicken:
Once your buttermilk mixture is ready, it's time to add the chicken. Place the chicken pieces into the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. You can do this directly in the bowl or use a large heavy-duty zip-top bag. If using a bag, seal it tightly and give it a good shake to evenly distribute the marinade. Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator.
How long should you leave it to marinate? Aim for at least 3 to 4 hours, but if you really want to unlock maximum flavor, let it sit overnight. The longer the chicken soaks in the brine, the more tender and juicy it will be, with the flavors penetrating deep into the meat. Just remember to turn the bag or give the mixture a stir occasionally to ensure even marination.
Post-Marination Steps:
After the chicken has soaked up all that delicious brine, it's time to move on to the next steps of your air fryer Southern fried chicken recipe. Remove the chicken from the marinade, giving it a gentle shake to remove any excess. Don't pat the chicken dry at this stage, as the wetness will help the dredge adhere better.
Now, it's time for the dredging process. In a separate container, prepare your dry dredge mixture, which typically includes flour, seasonings, and sometimes baking powder for extra crispiness. Lightly coat the marinated chicken pieces in this dry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
From here, you're almost ready to pop your chicken into the air fryer. Just remember to lightly coat the chicken with oil or cooking spray, which will help achieve that coveted golden brown, crispy exterior. And don't forget to preheat your air fryer and line the basket with foil to ensure even cooking.
So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to marinating your chicken in buttermilk, egg, and pickle juice. This process is key to locking in the juices, infusing flavors, and creating that signature tang of Southern fried chicken. Happy frying!
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Using a dry flour coating or breadcrumbs
To make Southern fried chicken in an air fryer using a dry flour coating, you'll first need to prepare your chicken by washing and drying it. Then, in a bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and coat the chicken generously with the spice mixture. You can add a splash of olive oil to help distribute the spices. Next, prepare your dry flour coating. In a large bowl, mix together your flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spice mix. It's important to ensure your flour is well-seasoned, so add more spices and salt if needed.
Now, you're ready to coat your chicken. First, dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken in a bowl of buttermilk (you can add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for some extra heat). Finally, roll the chicken in the flour mixture again, ensuring it's completely covered. Leave the chicken on a baking sheet to rest for about 10-15 minutes—this will help the coating stay on.
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray the basket with non-stick spray and ensure the pieces don't touch—the air needs to be able to circulate around them. You can also place a layer of parchment paper in the basket to help prevent the chicken from sticking. Lightly spray the chicken with oil, ensuring all the flour is coated, and place in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Cook for 14 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray the other side with oil. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for white meat and 175°F for dark meat. If you're using a meat thermometer, you can check the temperature and cook until it reaches the desired level.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. It's best served immediately, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
If you're using breadcrumbs instead of flour, the process is similar. Prepare your chicken and seasoning as outlined above, then coat the chicken in your chosen breadcrumb mixture, patting to ensure it adheres. You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a little olive oil for an extra crispy coating. You can also add spices such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook the chicken for around 8 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
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Cooking at 360-380°F for 15-20 minutes
To cook southern fried chicken in an air fryer, set the temperature between 360°F and 380°F and the timer for 15-20 minutes. This temperature and time combination will ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of chicken and how full your air fryer basket is. Therefore, it is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check when the chicken is cooked. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.
When cooking in an air fryer, it is best to use a dry coating or breading instead of a wet batter. This is because the hot air in the air fryer can cause the batter to drip off, creating a mess. A dry coating, typically made with flour, baking soda, spices, herbs, and sometimes dry zest, will result in a crispy golden-brown exterior.
Before cooking, remember to lightly coat the chicken with oil or butter. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden brown. Additionally, cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning. If you have more chicken than can fit in a single layer, cook it in batches.
By following these instructions, you can achieve juicy, tender, and flavorful southern fried chicken with a crispy exterior using your air fryer.
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The chicken is cooked when it's golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F
When cooking southern fried chicken in an air fryer, it is important to monitor the colour of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F. This internal temperature is the same in Fahrenheit and Celsius.
The chicken should be a golden brown colour throughout the cooking process. If you notice light pockets of colour, spray a little more oil over the chicken. This will help the chicken to cook evenly and get nice and
To achieve the desired internal temperature, the chicken should be cooked for around 15-20 minutes. After this time, the chicken should be flipped and cooked for another 5-10 minutes. The chicken is then ready to be removed from the air fryer and served.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of chicken and the size of the portions. Therefore, it is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check when the chicken is cooked.
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Reheating in the air fryer
To reheat southern fried chicken in an air fryer, first let the chicken come to room temperature on the countertop. This will allow the inside to cook thoroughly without letting the outer crust get too darkly browned. Next, preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 380°F (182°C to 193°C). You can also opt to preheat to 375°F (190°C) for a slightly lower heat. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to stop the chicken from sticking.
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap, so the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Reheat the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket after the first 5 to 6 minutes to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do not reheat fried chicken more than once, as reheating multiple times can increase the risk of contamination. It is also important to note that you should never place wet batter in an air fryer, as it uses hot air to cook the food, which can make a mess or cause splatters.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you air fry the chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. After this, carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get the best texture, it is recommended that you use a dry flour coating or breadcrumbs. Using a wet batter will not work in an air fryer as it will drip off and make a mess.
It is recommended that you cook your Southern fried chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
