Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Add Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Arrange in Basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
  2. Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
  3. Cooking Time: Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking.
  2. Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

  • Marinate Longer: For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust Spice: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating to suit your heat preference.
  • Use Cornstarch: For an even crunchier coating, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with the flour.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Popeyes-style fried chicken recipe brings the flavor and crunch you love, with a healthier twist. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to satisfy your fried chicken cravings. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite! Happy cooking!

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