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

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The best part? You don't need to use any oil, which means less fat and fewer calories. Plus, there's a lot less mess to deal with compared to traditional deep frying. Here's a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

- Chicken (bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks are recommended)

- Buttermilk

- Oil spray (olive or cooking spray)

- Flour (all-purpose or wheat)

- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste)

- Eggs

Method:

- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least 10 minutes to an hour.

- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and spices.

- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray generously with oil.

- Air fry at 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

- Flip the chicken, spray with oil again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! Your crispy, juicy air-fried chicken is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken

The type of chicken you choose will impact the flavour, texture, and cooking time of your fried chicken. You can use a whole chicken and cut it into pieces, or opt for specific parts such as chicken thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or wings. Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces are recommended for a more flavourful and juicy result. They also tend to have a crispier crust due to the skin. However, if you prefer a lower-calorie option or want to avoid the skin, you can choose skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, and you might need to adjust it accordingly.

Chicken Size and Quantity

It is important to consider the size of the chicken pieces you choose. For even cooking, try to use pieces that are similar in size. This ensures that all the pieces cook through at the same rate. Additionally, the quantity of chicken you plan to cook will depend on the size of your air fryer basket. It is best to fry similar-sized pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Freshness and Quality

Always opt for fresh, high-quality chicken. Check the expiration date and look for chicken with a fresh, pinkish hue. Avoid chicken with discoloured or bruised meat. When selecting packaged chicken, make sure the juices are clear, not bloody or excessive. Look for firm chicken pieces with smooth, moist skin.

Brining and Marinating

Brining or marinating your chicken before frying can enhance its flavour and tenderness. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a solution of buttermilk, spices, and herbs for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This process helps to tenderise the meat and adds a tangy flavour. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices to infuse it with flavour and moisture.

Storage and Handling

When purchasing chicken, pay attention to how it is stored and handled. Choose chicken that has been properly refrigerated and displayed in a clean, well-maintained case. Make sure the packaging is intact and there are no signs of leakage or damage. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates to ensure you consume the chicken within the recommended timeframe.

By considering these factors and selecting the right type, size, and quality of chicken, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy fried chicken in your air fryer!

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken, buttermilk, and a variety of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for some extra heat. For a KFC-style fried chicken, use a mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Next, prepare the marinade by combining the buttermilk and spices in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure that they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to thicken, or up to 24 hours if you want to prepare it in advance. The longer it sits, the more time the chicken has to absorb the flavours.

After the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the bowl and shake off any excess marinade. You can pat the chicken dry at this point to ensure it is extra crispy and juicy.

Now you are ready to coat the chicken with the breading mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and any additional spices you wish to add. You can also add in some breading at this point if you prefer a thicker coating.

Using tongs, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring that both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour and set the chicken aside on a clean plate or wire rack.

Once all the chicken pieces are coated, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer. Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure that the chicken doesn't stick to the surface. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Coating the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. You can use a variety of chicken cuts, such as bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, but make sure they have the skin on for that extra crispy crust. You can also use a whole chicken and cut it into pieces yourself. Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

In a separate medium-sized bowl, add buttermilk and whisk in an egg. The buttermilk not only adds flavour but also helps the flour coating adhere better to the chicken. The egg acts as a binder for the coating. Whisk these together until well combined. You can also add other spices to this mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3: Prepare the Flour Coating

In another medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your desired spices. You can use a variety of spices such as Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. You can also add cornstarch and baking powder to the flour mixture to help create an even crispier texture.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Now, it's time to coat your chicken! Using tongs, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture first, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally, back into the flour mixture for a second coating. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Repeat this process for all your chicken pieces.

Step 5: Set the Chicken Aside

Once your chicken pieces are coated, place them on a baking sheet or wire rack and let them sit for a while. This step helps the coating adhere better to the chicken. You can even let the chicken sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

Step 6: Spray the Chicken with Oil

Before placing the chicken into the air fryer, spray them generously with cooking oil or olive oil spray. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken to ensure even cooking and crispiness. This step is crucial, as it helps the chicken achieve that golden, crispy texture.

Now your chicken is ready to be placed into the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness, and enjoy your delicious, crispy fried chicken!

Air-frying the chicken

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients and prepared your chicken, it's time to air-fry that chicken to crispy perfection!

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F-390°F. While your air fryer is heating up, you can coat your chicken with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or oil.

Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don't overlap. Spray the chicken with cooking oil or spray until thoroughly coated. Now, it's time to air fry!

Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes at 350°F-390°F. Then, carefully flip the chicken and spray again with cooking spray or oil. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it's cooked through.

If you're cooking chicken breasts, keep in mind that they can dry out faster. It's recommended to use a batter to seal in moisture and prevent dryness. You can also leave the skin on during cooking and remove it before eating.

And that's it! Your crispy air-fried chicken is now ready to be devoured. Serve it with your favourite sides and enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken.

Reheating the chicken

Now that you've made your crispy fried chicken in the air fryer, you might have some leftovers. Here are some tips for reheating your fried chicken to ensure it stays crispy and delicious.

Firstly, do not reheat your fried chicken in the microwave. This will result in soggy chicken and is the opposite of what you want to achieve. The best methods for reheating fried chicken are using an air fryer or an oven.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F/190°C. You can spray or brush the chicken with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Reheat for 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For larger pieces, you may need to reheat for up to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 300-400°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this will trap steam and make the chicken soggy. Reheat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy.

Remember, the key to maintaining crispiness when reheating fried chicken is to ensure that air can circulate around the chicken. This is why it's important to place the chicken in a single layer and not to overcrowd the air fryer or oven. Additionally, allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating will help ensure even cooking.

Enjoy your crispy, leftover fried chicken!

Frequently asked questions