Air Fryer KFC-style fried chicken

A recipe for making crispy, KFC-style fried chicken in an air fryer using a buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour coating.

Equipment

• air fryer
• meat thermometer
• wire rack

Ingredients

• chicken pieces
• buttermilk
• salt
• black pepper
• paprika
• flour
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• smoked paprika
• thyme
• oregano
• cayenne
• cooking spray or oil

Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Add chicken to the bowl, making sure each piece is fully coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
5. In a separate large bowl, combine all the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
6. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
7. Remove chicken from the refrigerator.
8. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
9. Shake off excess flour and place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
10. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
11. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
12. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
13. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
14. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
15. Remove chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack or plate.
16. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
17. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-dredge by dipping the chicken back into buttermilk and coating with flour again. Spacing is key for even cooking. A light mist of oil enhances browning. Add a dash of cayenne for extra heat or smoked paprika for richer flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 280 kcal · Protein: 25 g · Fat: 15 g · Saturated Fat: 3.5 g · Carbohydrates: 15 g · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 1 g · Sodium: 520 mg