1. Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken drumsticks and thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best results.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Coat the Chicken
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet or large plate and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or cooking spray.
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry:
- Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Spray with Oil:
- Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray or cooking spray halfway through cooking to ensure a crispy crust.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Serve:
- Serve the Air Fryer Fried Chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture for a consistent, crispy crust.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy meat.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for extra heat.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for added flavor.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve the fried chicken with homemade buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken lies in the marinating process, a well-seasoned coating, and cooking at the right temperature for the right amount of time. By following this guide, you’ll create delicious and crispy fried chicken every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Air Fryer Fried Chicken!