- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator for better flavor.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat each piece with the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Air Fry:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil spray bottle to coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook in the air fryer for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional: Customize Flavors
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Add more or less spice depending on your preference.
Air fryer fried chicken provides a crispy exterior with juicy and tender meat inside. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, and the air fryer simplifies the cooking process. Adjust cooking times based on your specific air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces. Enjoy your delicious and guilt-free air-fried chicken!