1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover or seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Shake off any excess flour and place the breaded chicken on a plate or wire rack.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Cook the chicken in the preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the healthy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, a mixed green salad, or whole grain rice.
Enjoy your delicious and healthier version of fried chicken made in the air fryer! Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.