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Air Fryer Fried Chicken
5 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Chicken uses a flavorful spice-brine followed by a seasoned flour coating to achieve a crispy crust on chicken pieces cooked in an air fryer. This method delivers fried chicken with less oil than traditional frying, producing a crunchy exterior and tender interior. The process involves marinating, breading, and spraying the chicken for optimal crispness.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Brining Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 10 pieces
Calories: 470 kcal
Course: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken $5.22, about 10 pieces
For the brine:
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika $0.20
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.08
  • 2 tsp garlic powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp onion powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp oregano $0.20
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper $0.10
  • 1 Tbsp salt $0.09
  • 1 cup buttermilk $0.32
  • 1 egg $0.67, beaten
For breading the chicken:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour $0.36
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch $0.24
  • 2 tsp baking powder $0.08
  • 1 tsp salt $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 2 oz cooking spray $0.62

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Mix the smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, buttermilk, and egg in a large bowl.
  2. Place chicken in the bowl and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
  3. Preheat your air-fryer to 300°F. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Remove one piece of chicken from the brine, shake off the excess brine, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
  4. Spray cooking oil in your air fryer basket until it is completely covered. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil until thoroughly covered. Cook for 20 minutes at 300°F.
  5. Carefully flip the chicken pieces so as not to destroy the crust. Spray the top surface of the chicken again with cooking oil until thoroughly covered.
  6. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature is 160°F. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Then try not to eat that crispy skin before serving. Forgive yourself if you fail miserably!

Notes

  • Use about 3 pounds of cut chicken pieces; adjust cooking in batches for smaller air fryer baskets.
  • Make homemade buttermilk by mixing 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar if needed.
  • Use cooking oil spray on both the air fryer basket and chicken surface for the best crust; a spray bottle with vegetable or corn oil works if you lack commercial spray.
  • Adjust brine spices as desired or substitute with a favorite 3-tablespoon spice blend.
  • Cook until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached; pull at 160°F to allow carryover cooking.
  • Juices running clear is another doneness indicator if you do not use a thermometer.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1pieces Calories 470kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 27g (42%) Sodium 1147mg (48%) Fiber 1g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10 pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 470

% Daily Value*

Serving 1pieces
Calories 470kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 27g 42%
Sodium 1147mg 48%
Fiber 1g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.