Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Healthy, and Easy to Make

The Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or texture. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust with significantly less oil than deep-frying. Start by marinating chicken pieces in buttermilk and your choice of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, for at least an hour to ensure tender, flavorful meat. Then, coat the chicken in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and arrange the chicken in a single layer, cooking for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pieces for even crispness. The result is a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a satisfying crunch. This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal, ideal for busy weeknights or serving a crowd without the mess of deep-frying.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Healthy, and Easy to Make

If you’re craving the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken but want a healthier, less greasy alternative, then the Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is just what you need! Air frying is a revolutionary method that allows you to enjoy the delicious crispness of traditional fried chicken without the excess oil and calories. This recipe offers all the flavors and crunch of deep-fried chicken, but with a fraction of the fat. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of an air fryer, you can make juicy, crispy fried chicken in less than 30 minutes.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even as a snack, air fryer fried chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. This recipe ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

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Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and specific ingredient choices.)

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Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Optional: Hot sauce or buttermilk for marinating the chicken (for extra flavor and tenderness)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer (any model)
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Tongs for flipping the chicken
• Paper towels for draining

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Resting Time: 5 minutes (optional)

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preparing the chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into smaller, even pieces for quicker cooking. You can also leave the breasts whole if preferred. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or hot sauce for about 30 minutes before proceeding (this step is optional but recommended for extra flavor).

2. Set up the Breading Station:

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme (or oregano). Mix everything well so the spices are evenly distributed. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.

3. Coat the Chicken:

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly. Then dip the coated chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated once again. This double breading technique creates the perfect crunchy crust.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature for a crispy, golden crust.

5. Air Fry the Chicken:

Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. If you’re using bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy when done. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Rest the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the air fryer fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or salads. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. You can also serve it as a snack with hot sauce or ranch for dipping.

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Cuisines: American

Course: Main Course, Dinner, Snack

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

1. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the crispiest result, make sure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring an even cook and crispy crust.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
3. Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
4. Marinate for extra flavor: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk or hot sauce for a few hours or overnight can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
5. For extra crispiness: If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, lightly spray the coated chicken with a bit of oil before air frying. This helps create an even more golden and crunchy exterior.

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Why Choose Air Fried Chicken?

Air frying is an excellent alternative to traditional deep-frying, allowing you to enjoy the crispy texture without the added calories and fat from deep-frying. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, resulting in a crunchy outside and juicy inside. By using less oil, you’re significantly reducing the fat content, making this recipe a healthier choice. Additionally, the air fryer is faster and less messy than traditional frying, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your meal.

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Conclusion:

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving the crispy, crunchy, and flavorful experience of traditional fried chicken without the guilt. With a light breading, a minimal amount of oil, and a quick cook time, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in no time. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your healthier fried chicken with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete and satisfying meal!