Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy and Delicious
Introduction
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food loved by people of all ages. With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy and flavorful fried chicken without the excess oil and mess. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken that’s not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
For the Chicken:
- 8 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or wings)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for spraying)
The Preparation Process
Buttermilk Soak
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or, for best results, refrigerate and marinate overnight.
Breading Mix
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will serve as the breading for your chicken.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Breading the Chicken
- Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
- Roll each chicken piece in the breading mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Press the breading onto the chicken to make it stick.
Air Fryer Setup
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil.
Cooking Time
- Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
Cooking Perfection
- Spray the top of the chicken pieces with a thin coat of cooking spray or olive oil. This helps them become crispy.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Your Delight
Once your Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken is ready, serve it hot with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Make it a picnic with some potato salad and corn on the cob.
- Create a delicious chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and your preferred sauce.
- Serve as part of a hearty family dinner alongside mac and cheese and green beans.
Conclusion
With your air fryer, you can enjoy the indulgence of crispy fried chicken with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. This Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers a crunchy, flavorful coating while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside.
So, why wait? Get your air fryer ready and delight in this guilt-free version of a beloved classic. Your taste buds will be in for a treat!
Enjoy your Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken!
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chicken immediately after removing it from the air fryer.
Now, go ahead and savor the crispy deliciousness of Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken in your own kitchen.
