Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my crispy air fryer fried chicken recipe! It’s seriously a game changer for weeknight dinners. I love how easy it is to whip up a batch of chicken that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside without all the guilt of traditional frying. The air fryer does all the magic, giving you that satisfying crunch while keeping things lighter. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to greasy fried chicken again. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy nights or a cozy weekend feast!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Prepare Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this crispy air fryer fried chicken that’s sure to impress! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to chicken perfection!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, but if you can let it sit longer, even better! This step is crucial because the buttermilk not only adds fantastic flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and succulent. Seriously, don’t skip this part!
Preparing the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so all those spices get evenly distributed. This coating is what gives the chicken that irresistible crunch, so make sure to coat each piece thoroughly. No bare spots allowed!
Air Frying the Chicken
Once your chicken is nicely marinated and coated, it’s time to air fry! Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for that even crispiness. You’ll want to check for doneness—just make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F. If it needs a bit more time, don’t hesitate to give it a few extra minutes!
Tips for Extra Crunch
If you’re really craving that extra crunch, consider double coating the chicken! Just dip it back in the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before air frying. And remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps lock in those juices and keeps that crispy coating intact. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note on the nutritional information: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not set in stone. I recommend estimating based on typical values for the most accurate results. Always feel free to customize the recipe to fit your dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Deliciously crispy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside.
- Healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work too, but they may require a slightly different cooking time since they’re leaner. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I keep my air fryer fried chicken crispy? To keep your crispy air fryer fried chicken extra crunchy, avoid stacking the pieces in the basket and let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the coating set.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating overnight is actually a great idea! It enhances the flavor and tenderness even more.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free flour, this crispy air fryer fried chicken recipe can be made gluten-free!
What sides go well with this fried chicken? I love serving it with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal! Check out my coleslaw recipe here!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
To create the ultimate meal experience, I love serving my crispy air fryer fried chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw—it adds a nice crunch and brightness! You could also pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, or even a zesty garden salad for a refreshing contrast. Yum!
Z nadrukami
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe: 5 Steps to Perfection
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer fried chicken.
Składniki
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instrukcje
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place chicken in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness and cook longer if necessary.
Uwagi
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken.
- Let chicken rest before serving for best results.
- Czas Przygotowania: 1 hour
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Air Frying
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken thigh
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 28g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: crispy air fryer fried chicken recipe
