Air Fryer Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breast pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For Air Frying

• 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

1. Start by cleaning and drying the chicken pieces with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered.
3. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. The buttermilk helps soften the chicken while allowing the spices to absorb deeply into the meat.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes preparation

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Coating

1. In a large shallow bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, white pepper, black pepper, salt, celery salt, mustard powder, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This seasoning blend creates the signature savory flavor and crispy coating.
3. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
2. Place the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture and coat completely. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to create a thicker crust.
3. For extra crunch, dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk mixture briefly and coat it again with flour. This double coating creates a crispier restaurant-style crust.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during air frying.
5. Intensity Level: Medium Time Required: 15 minutes

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket because proper air circulation is necessary for crispy chicken. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with oil.
2. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–35 minutes , depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking and spray lightly with oil again.
3. Chicken drumsticks and thighs usually require closer to 30–35 minutes, while smaller wings may cook faster.
4. The chicken is ready when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) .
5. Intensity Level: Medium Cooking Time: 25–35 minutes

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting helps the juices settle and keeps the chicken moist.
2. Serve your Air Fryer Copycat KFC Chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, corn, fries, or your favorite dipping sauces.
3. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal · Protein: 28g · Fat: 16g · Carbohydrates: 18g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 1g · Sodium: 720mg