Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken: 5 Secret Steps for Perfectly Crunchy Meat


  • Author: ushinzomr

Description

This air fryer crispy chicken recipe yields perfectly golden and crunchy chicken with juicy meat inside, all while using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Cooking spray or oil for spraying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Spray the top of the chicken with a little more cooking spray to help it crisp up.
  8. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the spices in the flour mixture according to your taste preferences.
  • For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk after the first coating and dredging it in the flour mixture again.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: air fryer crispy chicken, crispy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, low oil fried chicken