Emilie Meyer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a healthier, leaner alternative to deep-fried foods, reducing the fat and calories of traditionally unhealthy meals. One of the most popular dishes to recreate is KFC fried chicken, which can be made in an air fryer with less oil but with maximum crunch. The key to achieving that signature KFC flavour and texture is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight, tenderizing the meat and ensuring it remains juicy when cooked. This guide will take you through the steps to make delicious, crispy, and healthier KFC-style fried chicken in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Buttermilk, egg, hot sauce |
| Marinade time | Overnight to 3 days |
| Flour coating | Flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, pepper, mustard, ginger, thyme, basil, oregano |
| Chicken | Bone-in pieces such as drumsticks, thighs, and wings |
| Air fryer temperature | 180°C to 375°F |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes each side |
| Reheating | 5-7 minutes at 350°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the chicken
To prepare the buttermilk marinade, grab a large bowl and add the buttermilk, fully coating each chicken piece. You can add some hot sauce to the buttermilk for an extra kick. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or cling film and leave it in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, a shorter marination period of at least 30 minutes will still impart some flavour to the chicken.
After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This step is important as it helps the chicken cook more evenly. You can also add some of the leftover marinade to the flour mixture to create a craggy, crispy texture on the chicken after frying.
Once the chicken has been marinated, the next step is to coat the chicken in a flour mixture. This step will give the chicken that signature KFC crunch. You can add various herbs and spices to the flour mixture, such as paprika, mustard, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix the flour and spices in a large bowl, then coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
The marination process is key to achieving that authentic KFC taste and texture, so be sure not to skip it!
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Coating the chicken
To coat the chicken, start by mixing the flour, cornstarch, and spices in a large bowl. You can add some buttermilk to the flour mixture to create craggily bits on the chicken. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and eggs. Dunk the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess, then coat them in the flour mixture. You can also double or triple-dredge the chicken to ensure an adequate coating. If you're using bone-in chicken, make sure to coat all sides.
Some recipes suggest dipping the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, then the flour mixture, then beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture. This creates a KFC-style coating. However, freezing the chicken at this point is not recommended as the coating is quite wet. Instead, lay the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or a lined tray while you coat the rest of the chicken.
Before coating the chicken, it's important to marinate it in buttermilk overnight. This helps tenderize the meat, adds flavour, and ensures the chicken is moist and juicy. You can also add hot sauce or garlic powder to the buttermilk mixture for extra spice.
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Preheating the air fryer
When preheating your air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the basket is in place. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively and prevent cold spots. If you are using an air fryer with a manual temperature control, make sure to set the temperature to the desired level before turning it on. This will help you avoid overheating the appliance.
Additionally, it is important to prepare the chicken properly before placing it in the air fryer. After marinating and coating the chicken, shake off any excess flour or breading. This will ensure that the chicken doesn't stick to the basket and promote even cooking. You can also spray the basket with cooking spray or oil to create a non-stick surface, which will help achieve a crispy texture on your chicken.
Finally, when preheating your air fryer, consider the quantity of chicken you plan to cook. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so overcrowding the basket should be avoided. If you have a large amount of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches. By preheating the air fryer effectively and following these preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious KFC-style chicken!
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Cooking the chicken
To cook KFC chicken in an air fryer, start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight. This process tenderises the meat and ensures that the flesh is ultra-juicy when cooked. You can also add some hot sauce or egg to the buttermilk mixture for extra flavour. When you're ready to cook, combine the flour with spices, salt, and nutritional yeast (if using) in a large bowl or baking dish. You can use a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, ginger, thyme, basil, and oregano.
Before coating the chicken, preheat your air fryer. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure to tap off any excess flour. If you're using eggs, dip the chicken in beaten egg before coating it in the flour mixture. You can also add some of the buttermilk to the flour mixture to create a craggy texture.
Next, place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will affect the crispiness of the chicken. Spray the chicken generously with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Set the air fryer temperature to between 180°C and 375°C, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer.
Cooking time can vary depending on the cut of chicken and the size of your air fryer basket. As a general guideline, cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Check on the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and spray more oil on any floury or dry spots. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meat from drying out. If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer by cooking at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
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$13.95
Reheating the chicken
If you have any leftover KFC chicken, you can reheat it in the air fryer. It is best to avoid reheating it in the microwave, as this will make the skin soggy. Instead, place the chicken in the air fryer, spray it with cooking spray, and reheat at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also reheat the chicken in a preheated oven.
To keep the chicken warm before serving, you can place it in an oven set to 200 degrees. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
It is important to note that reheated chicken may not be as crispy as freshly cooked chicken. To achieve maximum crispiness, it is best to cook the chicken right before serving.
Additionally, for food safety reasons, it is recommended to refrigerate leftover chicken within 2 hours of cooking and consume it within 3 to 4 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight, then coat them in a flour and spice mixture. Preheat your air fryer and spray the chicken with oil. Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, checking halfway through.
Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and have space around them in the air fryer basket. You can also add some of the marinade to the flour mixture to produce craggily bits.
Place the chicken in the air fryer, spray with cooking spray, and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or 8-10 minutes.
