Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Here’s a crispy, juicy, Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe you can whip up without the mess of deep frying! 🍗✨

🍗 Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts – skin-on for crispiness)

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, mixed & rested 10 mins)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)

• 1 ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

• Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken

   • Place chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk.

   • Let it marinate at least 30 minutes (or overnight for juicier chicken).

2. Prepare coating

   • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

3. Coat chicken

   • Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess.

   • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix, pressing to coat well.

   • Lightly spray both sides of chicken with cooking spray (helps crispiness).

4. Air fry

   • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

   • Arrange chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).

   • Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve hot

   • Let rest for 5 minutes before biting in to keep juices inside.

   • Pair with fries, coleslaw, or dipping sauces.

✅ Tips for Success:

• For extra crunch, double dip: dip chicken back into buttermilk, then coat again in flour mix.

• Want it spicy? Add chili powder or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.

• If using boneless chicken tenders, cook only 12–15 minutes.