Air Fryer Fried Chicken
All the crunch of Southern fried chicken with a light spray of oil instead of a pot of it. The buttermilk soak keeps the meat tender under a shatteringly crisp coating.
390°F200°C
25 mincook
40 mintotal
4servings
410cal/serving
🌡️ Cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs/drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Whisk flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece, pressing the coating on.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket and the chicken with oil.
- Air fry in a single layer for 22–26 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and 165°F (74°C) inside.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Cook in batches — crowding steams the coating instead of crisping it.
- Spray any floury spots with oil so the whole crust browns.