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

Making fried chicken in an air fryer is a great alternative to deep-frying. It's healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up. The air fryer's method of cooking involves circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy crust and juicy interior.

To make fried chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to first marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Then, coat the chicken in a flour mixture. Finally, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook until done.

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken

While you can use boneless skinless chicken, it is not recommended as the skin helps the coating stick to the chicken, resulting in a crispier exterior. Bone-in chicken also adds moisture and flavour to the dish. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts are all suitable options, with dark meat having a higher fat content that prevents drying out.

Amount of Chicken

It is important to not overcrowd your air fryer. Leave enough space between the chicken pieces to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. As a guide, you can fit around 4-5 pieces of chicken in the air fryer at once.

Marinating

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a key step in adding flavour and tenderness. It is best to marinate the chicken overnight or for up to a full day, but even a shorter marination of 1 hour will enhance the flavour and texture. You can also add spices to the buttermilk for extra flavour.

Dredging

After marinating, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture. You can use all-purpose flour or wheat flour, and add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken in the air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and size of chicken you are using. As a guideline, cook the chicken at around 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, prepare the marinade by adding spices and buttermilk to a large bowl. You can use a mix of salt, garlic powder, and pepper, or get creative with additional spices like paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Don't be shy with the spices, as they will enhance the flavour of your chicken. Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. It is best to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes to thicken and absorb the flavours. However, if you have the time, you can leave it to marinate for longer. Aim for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the flour coating. In a separate shallow bowl or dish, combine all-purpose flour with your desired spices. You can use a similar spice mix as the one in the marinade or experiment with different combinations. Don't forget to give the flour mixture a good whisk or stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to coat it with the flour mixture. Using tongs or your hands, remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Work quickly to dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Set the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack while you coat the rest.

At this point, your chicken is ready to be cooked in the air fryer! However, you can also add an extra step by spraying or brushing the chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help the flour coating crisp up and turn golden during cooking. Make sure to coat all sides generously.

Now you know the steps and tips for marinating chicken for air fryer fried chicken! Experiment with different spice combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Enjoy the process and get creative!

Coating the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures the chicken is dry and ready for the coating to adhere properly. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken is recommended for a juicier and more flavourful outcome.

Now, let's gather the ingredients for the coating. You will need all-purpose flour, seasoning of your choice (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, etc.), and an egg. You can also add a little cornstarch to the flour mixture to thicken the batter. If you want a crispier coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour for an extra crunchy layer.

Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined. You can also add some of your favourite hot sauce to the buttermilk for an extra kick. The second bowl will contain the flour mixture with all your chosen seasonings. Give it a good mix with a fork to ensure everything is well combined. In the third bowl, add some more flour for the final coating.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken! Using tongs, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the flour again, covering it completely. Set the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack while you coat the rest.

For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the process. This will give your chicken an extra thick and crunchy layer. Once all your chicken pieces are coated, it's almost time to pop them into the air fryer!

Before cooking, spray the chicken pieces generously with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the flour coating cooks evenly and doesn't end up floury or soggy. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken and don't be shy with the oil!

Now, your chicken is ready for the air fryer! Place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch so that air can circulate around them. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen air fryer recipe, and you'll have juicy, crispy fried chicken in no time!

Cooking the chicken

The cooking time for the chicken depends on the cut of chicken you use and the capacity of your air fryer. For example, chicken tenders will take around 15-16 minutes, while chicken thighs and breasts will take 25 minutes. Chicken drumsticks will take around 15 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear, not red, when a skewer or the tip of a knife is inserted almost to the bone, or when an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or oil spray, being sure to coat all areas of the chicken. Air fry for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Check the chicken and spray any spots that still look floury with more cooking spray. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crisp and golden.

Storing and reheating the chicken

Storing the Chicken:

• It is recommended to eat fried chicken fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Make sure not to stack the chicken pieces to prevent the coating from coming off.
• Consume leftover fried chicken within 3 to 4 days.

Reheating the Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating fried chicken, as it helps maintain the crispy texture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (190°C).
• Take the leftover chicken out of the refrigerator and separate the pieces to ensure even heating.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. You may need to reheat in batches if your air fryer is small.
• For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil (optional).
• Reheat the chicken for 3-5 minutes, then flip each piece and continue reheating for another 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• Check the crispiness of the chicken. If needed, repeat the flipping and reheating process for another 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Once the chicken is crispy and heated through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute to let the crust set.

Other Reheating Methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300-350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Reheat for 8-10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat oil in a heavy-duty pot to 350°F. Slowly add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes until crisp and heated through.
• Microwave: Not recommended as it can make the chicken soggy.

Tips for Reheating:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or cooking vessel.
• Always allow the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Marinate the chicken in a buttermilk brine before the initial cooking to help retain moisture.
• Do not reheat the chicken more than once to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions