Air Fryer Fried Chicken FingerLickin Good Simplified

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some crispy chicken? Ever wondered how to cook chicken in your air fryer and nail that perfect crunch? This crispy air fryer chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple, delivering juicy chicken with a golden crust, no soggy bottoms, I promise!

Brief Overview

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food with roots in Southern American cuisine. This recipe simplifies the process using an air fryer.

It's an easy recipe. Prep takes only 20 minutes , cooking is 20- 25 minutes , yielding 4 servings of pure delight.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe is it's healthier than traditional frying! It's perfect for a casual family dinner or a BBQ with mates.

What makes this best air fryer chicken dinner special? The insanely crispy skin and juicy meat and a lot less oil!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken FingerLickin Good Simplified Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, ensuring it's submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Place on a plate or wire rack.
• Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
• Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Lightly brush or spray the chicken with vegetable oil.
• Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. How to cook chicken in air fryer is easy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Step-by-Step Guide to Finger-Lickin' Air Fryer Chicken

Marinating Magic

First things first, let's marinate that chicken! In a bowl, mix 240ml buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.

Dunk your 680g chicken pieces in there. I normally use thighs or drumsticks. You know what they say, the darker the meat, the sweeter the taste! Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

Coating Concoction

While your chicken's having a soak, prep your coating. Grab a bowl and whisk together 180g flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon paprika.

Don't forget 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave!.

This blend is the key to the crispy air fryer chicken recipe and taste.

Air Fryer Assembly

Right, time to get frying. Preheat your air fryer to 190° C . I cannot stress enough the preheating stage. Trust me, it affects the chicken in air fryer time .

Now, take your chicken pieces, let the excess buttermilk drip off, and coat them generously in your flour mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny is covered, right?.

Place them in the air fryer basket, not overcrowding. Give the chicken a light spray with oil and cook for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway, until it hits an internal temperature of 74° C .

Extra Tips for Air Fryer Perfection

Always ensure the air fryer chicken internal temperature hits the correct number and rest before cutting in! Don't skip the resting phase. It's crucial for juicy meat.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, mates, so you want to know how to cook chicken in that amazing gizmo, your air fryer? First things first, let's gather our bits and bobs.

Here's what you'll need for this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe . Honestly, it’s easier than making toast.

Main Ingredients for Cracking Chicken

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) bone-in, skin-on pieces (thighs or drumsticks are smashing). Make sure the chicken is nice and pink. Avoid anything that looks or smells dodgy.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup ( 240ml ). It makes the chicken super tender.
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Frank's RedHot gives it a nice kick.
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1.5 cups ( 180g ).
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons.
• Paprika: 1 tablespoon.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For some heat!
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons.

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up

For this Air Fry Recipes , paprika is key. It gives that lovely colour and a subtle smokiness. Thyme and oregano bring that classic "fried chicken" vibe, if you catch my drift.

Don't have paprika? A pinch of smoked paprika will do. Out of thyme? Use mixed herbs, innit.

Essential Equipment (Nothing Too Fancy!)

• Air Fryer : Obviously! If you are looking for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Dinner , you need one first.
• Two Shallow Bowls : For dredging the chicken. Pie plates work great too!
• Tongs : To avoid burning your fingers.
• Meat Thermometer : This is crucial! You want the chicken at 165° F ( 74° C) .

And that's all there is to it! Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes like this use these simple tools. Now, if you're ready to learn How To Cook Chicken In An Air Fryer , let’s move onto the next step.

It's going to be finger-licking good!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Finger-Lickin' Good, Simplified!

Honestly, how to cook chicken in an air fryer has been a total game changer for me. I used to faff around with deep frying, but never again! This crispy air fryer chicken recipe is not only easier, but healthier too.

Think Nando's, but you've made it, and it's banging. Let's dive in, shall we?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Before we even think about chicken in air fryer time , let's get organised. It’s all about having everything ready to go.

Chop your herbs, measure out your spices, and have your buttermilk ready. A bit of prep now saves a load of stress later.

And always wash your hands, yeah? No one wants dodgy chicken.

Air Frying Ace: The Golden Rules

Okay, here’s how to cook chicken in your air fryer like a pro. Follow these steps, and you'll be laughing!

1. Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Submerge your 1.5 lbs of chicken. Chuck it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Craft the Coating: In another bowl, mix 1.5 cups flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne if you're feeling brave.
3. Coat that Bird: Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing it on. Ensure you get a proper coating. It is important for a crispy air fryer chicken recipe .
4. Preheat the Magic Box: Preheat your air fryer to 380° F ( 190° C) . Lightly spray the basket with oil.
5. Air Fryer Action: Place the chicken in the basket, don't overcrowd! Spray with a bit more oil.
6. Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. Make sure the air fryer chicken internal temperature is 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer; trust me!
7. Rest and Devour: Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before you dig in.

Winning Moves: Pro Tips

Here are a couple of pro tips. This will make sure you get the best air fryer recipes .

• Don't stack the chicken in the basket. That stops it from getting properly crispy. Remember to cook it in batches.
• Spritz the chicken with oil before air frying. This helps it to get a nice golden brown colour.
• Want to make-ahead ? Coat the chicken, and then pop it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying.

Honestly, this recipe is foolproof. I messed it up the first time by overcrowding the air fryer. My chicken ended up a bit soggy.

Now I'm using my best air fryer chicken dinner and I'm a pro.

I'm pretty sure these easy air fryer chicken recipes and tip will bring joy to your house! This version of air fryer fried chicken thighs is just the best.

Alright, so you've mastered the recipe! Now, let's chat about a few extra bits to make this Air Fryer Fried Chicken truly special.

Think of these as my little secrets. Let me share some real deal tips to get better in how to cook chicken in your kitchen.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions – Level Up Your Plate

Plating is key! Arrange your crispy air fryer chicken recipe on a platter with a sprig of parsley. Honestly? It makes all the difference.

How about some creamy coleslaw on the side? Or maybe some best air fryer chicken dinner style with buttery mashed potatoes.

And don't forget the dipping sauces. I'm talking ranch, BBQ, maybe even a little hot sauce for those who like a kick.

A frosty glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade? Perfect.

Storage Tips – Keepin' It Fresh

Leftover chicken? No worries! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Wrap each piece individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.

It'll last for up to 2 months. Reheating is easy. You can use the air fryer again (a few minutes at 350° F/ 175° C will do the trick) or the oven.

The microwave works too, but it might not be as crispy. Remember the air fryer chicken internal temperature is critical for safe eating.

Variations – Your Chicken, Your Way

Want to keep things interesting? For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy! Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the coating for a smoky flavour.

Swap out some of those boneless chicken breast. For a Chicken In Air Fryer Time around 12- 15 minutes and you got yourself a good easy healthy meal.

And for our calorie conscious friends, try our Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Breast option.

Nutrition Basics – Goodness Inside

I'm no nutritionist, but let's be real. This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is way healthier than the deep-fried stuff. You're saving on all that extra oil! Chicken is packed with protein, which is great for building muscle and keeping you feeling full.

Plus, you get a little bit of vitamins and minerals from the spices. The chicken breast in air fryer time is key to keeping it juicy and nutritious, making sure all the good stuff stays locked in.

You know, a balanced diet is all about moderation, innit?

So, there you have it! My tips and tricks for making the ultimate Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Now, get in the kitchen and get cooking! You've got this.