Air-Fryer Buttermilk Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan-frying chicken. Not only is it healthier, but it's also quicker and less messy. The result is still super crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The key to achieving this texture is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices, and to coat it with a mixture of flour and corn starch. The buttermilk tenderises the chicken and breaks down the protein, while the corn starch helps the chicken to brown and creates a seal to keep the juices in. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk to add an extra kick of spice.

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk

To marinate the chicken, place the desired amount of chicken pieces into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. For every 1 kg of chicken, use 300 ml of buttermilk. You can also add other ingredients to the buttermilk, such as hot sauce, dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, to enhance the flavour of the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the buttermilk mixture, then cover and refrigerate for the desired amount of time.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Simply stir these ingredients together and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until it curdles, and you'll have a perfect DIY buttermilk substitute!

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove the pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. It is now ready to be coated in the flour mixture before being placed in the air fryer.

Preparing the chicken coating

The chicken coating is a crucial component of buttermilk chicken made in an air fryer, adding flavour and texture to the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the coating:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, also known as plain flour, cornflour or cornstarch, and a variety of spices and seasonings. The specific spices and their quantities can vary depending on your taste preferences, but some common options include seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme. You may also want to include bread crumbs, such as panko, for an extra crispy texture.

Next, mix your dry ingredients. Combine the flour with your chosen spices and seasonings in a large bowl or baking dish. Ensure that everything is thoroughly mixed so that your chicken will be evenly coated. You can also add a little starch to the mixture, as this will help create an extra crispy exterior on your chicken.

At this point, you can also add a small amount of buttermilk to the flour mixture. Drizzle around 2-4 tablespoons of buttermilk into the flour and mix it through with a fork. This will create a clumpier texture, which can help the coating adhere better to the chicken.

Now, it's time to prepare the chicken. Take each piece of chicken and coat it generously with the flour mixture. Use your hands to press the coating against the chicken and ensure it is completely covered. You can also use tongs to help with this process. Shake off any excess flour, and then transfer the coated chicken to a plate or wire rack while you prepare the rest of the pieces.

Once all your chicken pieces are coated, you can place them into the air fryer. It's important to ensure that the pieces are not overlapping and have some space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that all sides of the chicken will cook evenly.

Finally, spray the chicken with oil. This step is crucial, as it helps to hydrate the flour and ensures that it cooks properly, resulting in a crispy, golden coating. You can use a cooking spray or brush the chicken with oil. Be sure to coat all the flour spots, and don't be afraid to add a generous amount of oil, as this will contribute to a crunchier crust.

Cooking the chicken in the air fryer

Now that your chicken is marinated and coated, it's time to cook it in the air fryer! First, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to place the chicken inside. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. This is important to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Generously spray the chicken with oil or brush it with oil. This step is crucial, as it will help the chicken get crispy and golden. Close the air fryer and set the timer for 25 minutes.

After about 15 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Spray or brush the other side with oil, ensuring all flour spots are covered. Close the air fryer and let the chicken cook for another 10 to 12 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn't, cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the correct temperature.

Your buttermilk chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favourite sides, such as potato salad, cornbread, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.

Reheating the chicken

If you have leftovers and need to reheat them, it is not advisable to pop the chicken back into the air fryer as you run the risk of burning the exterior. Instead, use a 300°F oven. Lay out the pieces of chicken on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This will keep the crust relatively crispy and heat the pieces evenly.

Alternatively, you can store cooked fried chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat it in a preheated oven at 400°F until warmed through. Leftovers can also be added to salads and sandwiches the next day.

To freeze leftover chicken, place the pieces in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, place the frozen chicken on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes to reheat.

Choosing the right oil

When making buttermilk chicken in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right oil to spray on the chicken. The oil you choose will affect the taste, texture, and colour of your chicken. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an oil for your buttermilk chicken:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to burn and smoke. Different oils have different smoke points, so it is important to choose an oil with a high enough smoke point for air frying. Oils with a lower smoke point, such as olive oil, are not suitable for air frying as they will burn and produce an unpleasant taste. Oils with a higher smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, are better suited for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning.

Flavour

The flavour of the oil you choose will also affect the taste of your buttermilk chicken. Some oils have a neutral flavour, such as canola or vegetable oil, which will not overpower the other flavours in your dish. Other oils, such as olive oil or peanut oil, have a stronger flavour that may complement or enhance the taste of your chicken. Consider the other ingredients in your dish and choose an oil that will complement, rather than compete with, their flavours.

Health Benefits

When choosing an oil for air frying, it is also important to consider the health benefits of different oils. Some oils are higher in unhealthy saturated fats, while others are a better source of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. For example, canola oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels. Vegetable oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Consider your own health goals and choose an oil that aligns with your nutritional needs.

Availability and Cost

The availability and cost of different oils can also be a factor in your decision. Some oils may be more readily available or affordable than others. If you are looking for a cost-effective option, vegetable oil or canola oil are usually budget-friendly choices. If you are willing to invest in a higher-quality oil, avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil are great options but may come with a higher price tag.

Experimenting with Oils

When choosing an oil for your buttermilk chicken in an air fryer, don't be afraid to experiment with different options. You may find that you prefer the taste and texture of chicken cooked with a particular type of oil. You can also try mixing different oils to find the perfect combination for your dish. Remember to consider the smoke point, flavour, health benefits, and cost when making your decision.

Frequently asked questions