Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, this Air Fryer Krispy Fried Chicken is a delicious way to enjoy that classic fried-chicken texture without deep-frying. The chicken is marinated in seasoned buttermilk, coated in a flavorful crunchy breading, and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and crisp.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) chicken pieces — thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
For the Crispy Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.
Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a wide bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
Add salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Whisk everything together until evenly combined.
The addition of cornstarch helps create a lighter, crispier crust in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
Place it into the seasoned flour mixture.
Press the flour firmly onto the chicken so the coating sticks well.
For an extra-crispy crust, dip the floured chicken briefly back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture a second time.
Repeat with all the chicken pieces.
Place the coated chicken on a plate or wire rack and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere before cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on your model.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each piece for the coating to become crisp.
Step 5: Air Fry
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C).
Cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces:
- Wings: approximately 20–25 minutes
- Drumsticks: approximately 25–30 minutes
- Thighs: approximately 25–35 minutes
- Chicken breasts: approximately 25–35 minutes
Turn the chicken halfway through cooking and lightly spray the other side if needed.
The chicken should be deeply golden and crisp on the outside.
Most importantly, check the thickest part of the chicken with a food thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Make It Extra Crispy
For an especially crunchy coating, give the chicken a final light spray of oil during the last few minutes of cooking.
Avoid adding too much oil because excess oil can make the coating greasy rather than crispy.
If cooking multiple batches, keep the finished chicken on a wire rack rather than stacking it on a plate. This helps prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is completely cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer.
Let it rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
This allows the juices to settle while the crispy coating remains crunchy.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, coleslaw, salad, roasted vegetables, or air fryer potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Don’t skip the marinade: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
Use cornstarch: It helps create a lighter and crispier coating.
Press the coating onto the chicken: This gives you a thicker, crunchier crust.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a little oil: A light spray helps the flour coating brown and crisp.
Turn halfway through: This promotes more even browning.
Check the temperature: Cooking time varies between air fryer models and chicken pieces, so always verify that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving Ideas
This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Try serving it with:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Green salad
- Air fryer potato wedges
- Biscuits
- Pickles
- Macaroni and cheese
For dipping, ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy mayo are all delicious choices.
Storage
Allow leftover chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within 3–4 days.
To bring back some of the crispiness, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) until hot and crisp.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchy coating, because microwaves tend to make the breading soft.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Krispy Fried Chicken is a great homemade alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken flavorful and juicy, while the seasoned flour and cornstarch coating creates a deliciously crispy exterior.
With a light coating of oil and the circulating heat of the air fryer, you can get beautifully golden chicken without submerging it in a large amount of oil. Whether you’re making wings for a casual meal or crispy thighs and drumsticks for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and sauces.
