Air-Fryer Fried Chicken: The Kentucky Secret

If you're craving some fried chicken but don't want the hassle of deep frying, then making it in an air fryer is a great option. It's healthier, quicker, and easier to make than the traditional method, and it still tastes delicious. You can use a variety of chicken pieces, from drumsticks to thighs, and the key to getting that crispy coating is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk and coat it in a seasoned flour or breadcrumb mixture before air frying.

Marinating chicken in buttermilk

Buttermilk is an ideal marinade for chicken due to its high lactic acid content, which acts as a tenderiser by breaking down the meat fibres. This results in more tender and flavourful chicken. Additionally, the mild acidity of buttermilk helps maintain moisture in the chicken, preventing it from drying out during cooking. It also adds a tangy flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

When marinating chicken in buttermilk, it is recommended to soak the chicken for at least 30 minutes to up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken is allowed to marinate, the more tender and flavourful it becomes. During this time, the buttermilk mixture penetrates the meat, infusing it with flavour and ensuring a juicy final product.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it is important to properly coat it with seasoned flour before placing it in the air fryer. This step ensures a crispy, golden brown exterior. After removing the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, simply shake off any excess liquid and dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.

When preparing the chicken for the air fryer, it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving enough space for proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness. Additionally, spraying the chicken with cooking spray or oil before and during the air frying process will enhance the crispiness of the final product.

Coating chicken in flour

Coating the chicken in flour is a crucial step in achieving that signature crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken texture and flavour. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to coat your chicken in flour like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with an array of spices and seasonings. The exact measurements and types of spices can vary, but commonly used ones include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. You can also add a few tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade to the flour mixture to create some crispy bits on the chicken.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. You can use tongs or your hands for this step. Then, add the chicken to the flour mixture and ensure it's fully coated. Use your hands to press the flour onto the chicken and apply pressure to ensure the flour adheres well. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Step 3: Shake Off Excess Flour

Once the chicken is thoroughly coated in flour, give it a gentle shake to remove any excess flour. This step is important to prevent the flour from clumping or falling off during cooking. You want a nice, even coating.

Step 4: Place in the Air Fryer

After shaking off the excess, carefully place each piece of chicken into the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and the overall crispiness of the chicken. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Tips for Success:

• Before coating the chicken in flour, pat the chicken pieces dry after removing them from the buttermilk marinade. This will help the flour coating adhere better.
• If you're making a large batch of chicken, it's a good idea to set up a production line with separate bowls for the flour, egg (if using), and breadcrumbs (if using). This will streamline the coating process and make it more efficient.
• Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to find your perfect blend. You can even add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicier kick.
• Don't be afraid to get messy! Coating chicken in flour can be a bit messy, but it's all part of the fun of cooking.

Air-frying the chicken

To begin the air-frying process, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The specific temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and your personal preference for crispiness. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken by coating it with the seasoned flour mixture. This step involves dipping the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and ensuring they are evenly coated.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to place the chicken inside. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken and uneven cooking.

Close the air fryer and let the chicken cook for the recommended time, which can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. For example, chicken drumsticks may require a longer cooking time than boneless chicken thighs. It is important to refer to the specific recipe you are following for the exact cooking time and temperature.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the chicken and check halfway through. If you notice any dry or floury spots, spray them with a little more oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness. There is no need to flip the chicken pieces during cooking, as this may cause the batter to come off.

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is ready to be removed from the air fryer. Place the cooked chicken on a wire rack or a plate and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. If you are cooking a large batch of chicken, you may need to cook it in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps and adjusting the temperature and timing according to your air fryer and the type of chicken you are using, you will achieve delicious, crispy, and juicy KFC-style chicken that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Reheating chicken in the air fryer

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure it doesn't dry out and that it crisps up nicely. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

First, let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This will help the chicken reheat more evenly and prevent it from drying out. It is also important to note that you should only reheat chicken in the air fryer once; reheating it a second time will lead to dry chicken.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes. Preheating is an important step as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps to crisp up the skin.

Arrange the Chicken:

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If you are reheating a whole chicken or rotisserie chicken, cut it into pieces before placing them in the air fryer.

Reheat the Chicken:

For individual chicken pieces, such as legs, thighs, wings, or breasts, reheat at 365 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. For a whole chicken or rotisserie chicken, reheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Chicken tenders or breaded chicken fingers will take less time, about 2-3 minutes at 365 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and crispiness on both sides. If desired, brush the chicken with a sauce or a thin layer of oil during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to add moisture and enhance flavor and crispiness.

Check the Temperature:

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safe temperature for consumption.

Storage:

When storing leftover chicken, let it cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chicken crust soggy and damp.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space is crucial to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• There is no need to add more oil to the chicken as there should be enough residual fat to preserve the texture.
• Reheat chicken pieces of similar sizes together to ensure even cooking.
• Do not cover the chicken or add liquid when reheating in the air fryer.
• Bone-in and boneless chicken pieces can be reheated for the same amount of time.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy and juicy reheated chicken that tastes just as good as freshly cooked!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your homemade KFC. Here are some ideas:

• In a bun with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and spicy mayo.
• With a side of your favourite dipping sauces, such as hot honey.
• With coleslaw, a simple kale salad, or a macaroni salad.
• With a side of French fries/chips.
• With mac and cheese.
• With fried chicken and gravy, or fried chicken and waffles.
• With KFC copycat sides, such as coleslaw, potato wedges, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
• With a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, and a baked potato.
• With a side of KFC frozen corn on the cob, frozen French fries, or potato wedges.
• With a side of air fryer frozen corn on the cob, air fryer frozen French fries, or potato wedges.
• In an old KFC bucket, for a fun fakeaway experience.

Frequently asked questions