Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken (Easy, Juicy & Southern-Style Recipe)
Crispy, juicy Southern-style fried chicken made in the air fryer with a tangy buttermilk marinade and double-floured coating for extra crunch. This air fryer fried chicken delivers deep-fryer flavor using minimal oil and cooks in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs until combined.
3. In a second shallow bowl, stir together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pat chicken pieces dry. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
5. Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge again in the flour for a double coating. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces.
6. Spray all sides of the coated chicken generously with olive oil spray.
7. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding.
8. Air fry at 360°F for 15–20 minutes, flip the pieces, then cook an additional 5–10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Make-buttermilk: Stir 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup milk and let sit 5–10 minutes.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches for best crispiness.
Use an oil sprayer for even coverage; avoid aerosol sprays with propellants.
Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 7–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Find it online: https://www.broodrecipes.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/