Make Crispy Fried Chicken In Your Air Fryer, No Buttermilk Needed!

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, then air-fried chicken is your answer. It's just as crispy and juicy as deep-fried chicken, but without all the oil and mess.

The key to achieving that crispy texture without submerging the chicken in oil is to coat the chicken in a flour mixture and cook it in an air fryer for around 15-20 minutes. You can also add buttermilk to the flour mixture to help the batter stick to the chicken and give it that classic fried chicken tenderness.

However, if you don't have buttermilk, don't fret! You can easily make your own by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. You can also use plain kefir as a 1:1 substitute. So, there's no need to miss out on that delicious, crispy fried chicken texture and flavour, even if you don't have buttermilk on hand.

Marinate the chicken

Marinating the chicken is an important step in the process of making fried chicken in an air fryer. It ensures that the chicken is juicy and flavourful, and helps the breading adhere to the meat. Here is a detailed guide on how to marinate the chicken:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken (bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts are recommended), buttermilk, and optional ingredients such as hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk for extra flavour.

Next, prepare the buttermilk mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and any optional ingredients you are using. You can also add eggs to the mixture, as this will help the coating bind to the chicken. Make sure to whisk well until everything is combined.

Now, it's time to add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the liquid, ensuring they are well coated. You can let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to thicken, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if you are prepping in advance. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will be.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, you can move on to the next step of coating the chicken with the breading mixture. However, if you are not quite ready for this step, you can pat the chicken dry and place it on a wire rack to let the coating air dry for about 10 minutes before air frying.

There you have it! A simple guide to marinating chicken for air fryer fried chicken. Remember, the marination process is key to ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavourful, so don't skip this step!

Prepare the breading

The breading is a key part of the fried chicken recipe and will ensure your chicken is crispy and golden. You will need to prepare the breading mixture and then coat the chicken pieces in it.

Firstly, combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl or plastic food storage bag. You will need flour, and a selection of spices. The exact spices you use are up to you, but you could include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning. Mix the dry ingredients well, ensuring they are thoroughly combined.

Next, you will need to coat your chicken pieces in the breading mixture. You can do this in a few different ways, depending on how much time you have and how crispy you want your chicken to be. The simplest method is to coat the chicken in the breading mixture, shaking off any excess. However, for a crispier finish, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the process and coating the chicken in the breading mixture a second time.

If you want to be extra sure of a crispy finish, you can also add an egg to your breading mixture, which will help the coating stick to the chicken. Simply whisk an egg into the mixture of flour and spices before coating your chicken.

Finally, place your breaded chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack and allow it to rest while you preheat your air fryer.

Coat the chicken

Now for the fun part: coating the chicken!

Firstly, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will ensure the chicken is extra crispy and juicy. Then, take your chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture. If you're making your own buttermilk, you can use a combination of milk and vinegar, or milk and lemon juice. Roll the chicken in the flour again, ensuring it is completely covered. Set the chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack to rest. If you have time, you can let the chicken air dry for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.

If you want to add a little kick to your chicken, add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.

Prepare the air fryer

Before you start cooking, you'll want to prepare your air fryer. Here are some steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking fried chicken in an air fryer between 350-390°F (180-200°C).
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier. You can use an oil mister or a pastry brush to apply the oil evenly. Avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays as they can damage the coating of your air fryer basket over time.
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. It's okay if the pieces touch, but they should not stack on top of each other. The hot air needs to circulate around each piece of chicken to cook it evenly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer is small.
• If you're cooking a large batch of chicken, you can place a slice of bread in the air fryer to absorb any excess grease and prevent smoking. Alternatively, you can put a small amount of water under the air fryer basket to catch the grease drippings.
• Once the chicken is in the air fryer, you can lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray to help the coating crisp up. This is especially helpful if you notice any dry spots or floury areas on the chicken.
• Set the timer according to your recipe, and let the air fryer work its magic!

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. Each air fryer model may have unique features or requirements, so it's important to familiarize yourself with your particular device.

Air fry the chicken

Now that your chicken is coated and ready to go, it's time to air fry!

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer, so check the manual if you're unsure.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces aren't overlapping. It's okay if they touch, but they need space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 5 to 12 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check, as this is the most accurate way to tell if your chicken is cooked through.

If you notice any dry flour spots on the chicken during cooking, spray them lightly with oil. This will help the breading crisp up and prevent it from burning.

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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