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The Ultimate Crispy Southern Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Three pieces of golden brown, crispy air fryer fried chicken resting on a white plate.
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Get the crunch of classic Southern fried chicken with significantly less oil. This easy air fryer fried chicken recipe delivers juicy meat and a perfectly golden, crispy coating in under 40 minutes. It is the healthy fried chicken alternative you have been waiting for.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Make sure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to make the chicken juicy.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This is your seasoned flour blend.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not wipe it dry.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating. Shake off any loose flour.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
  6. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush with a tiny bit of oil to help achieve maximum crispiness.
  8. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 20 minutes.
  9. Flip the chicken pieces over. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deep golden brown and crunchy.
  10. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Announce the good news—dinner is ready!

Notes

  • For extra crispy air fryer chicken, you can dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk briefly and then dredge it again in the flour mixture before air frying.
  • If using chicken breasts, reduce the cook time slightly and check for doneness sooner to prevent drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/