Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispier skin.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano (or thyme), salt, and black pepper.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
- Place Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it’s not done, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Let Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after air frying to retain its juices.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Serve your crispy air fryer chicken with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
- Bone-In, Skin-On: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken gives you the crispiest results, but you can also use boneless cuts if preferred.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to overnight with your favorite marinade to enhance the flavor.
- Different Chicken Cuts: Adjust cooking times depending on the cut of chicken:
- Drumsticks: 22-25 minutes
- Thighs: 25-30 minutes
- Breasts: 18-20 minutes (boneless) or 30-35 minutes (bone-in)
Flavor Variation
- Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Cajun Chicken: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Garlic Chicken: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with garlic and olive oil for a savory, herbaceous chicken.
Conclusion
This crispy air fryer chicken is a quick and healthy way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a weeknight dinner, this air fryer recipe guarantees crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!