Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken is so easy to make and cooks quickly, is well seasoned and juicy so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Post includes Weight Watchers points.

No matter how old I get, the smell of fried chicken takes me back to my childhood. There is something so comforting about the smell and knowing I will soon be diving into that crispy, juicy goodness. 

But, age has also taught me that deep-fried everything isn’t the best option for health. So you better believe that the very first thing I made in my air fryer was a batch of fried chicken!

Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Cooking fried chicken in air fryer is easy and the results are incredible. Sure, it’s a little different from traditional fried chicken, but it’s healthier because you use a lot less oil. Less oil equals less fat which is better for your heart and your waistline. 

What matters most is that your family is going to love this recipe. It’s juicy, it’s crispy, and the seasoning is just right. And, it’s less work and less clean-up than deep frying so that you can enjoy this air fryer southern fried chicken more frequently. 

If you love this then check out the delicious Air Fryer Chicken Breast or really easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken and family approved sticky Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and better than take out Air fryer Popcorn Chicken.

And this is great served with some Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries.

Why Make This Recipe

• Fried Chicken – Do you really need a reason other than that?
• Healthier – Fried chicken air fryer uses less oil than traditional deep-fried chicken, so it’s better for you. 
• Kid-Friendly – Kids love chicken, and this chicken is perfect for busy nights. 
• Versatile – Eat it alone, put it on a sandwich, slice it over a salad, eat it cold. 

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Use boneless thighs for the juiciest chicken pieces.
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, so it practically melts in your mouth. 
• Hot sauce – In this recipe, hot sauce is more for flavor than heat. 
• All-purpose flour and Cornstarch – Will give the chicken a crispy coating. 
• Seasonings – We’ve selected smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to give our chicken a traditional flavor.

How To Make Fried Chicken Air Fryer

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. 
2. Dredge the chicken in the flour and spice mixture. Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken. Add to the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil. 
3. Cook chicken for 10-16 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, and spray with oil once again. 
4. Begin checking for doneness at about 12 minutes. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165 F when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.

Tips For Success

• Using chicken thighs will give you juicy pieces of chicken that are perfect alone, on sandwiches or paired with waffles. 
• Leave space between each piece of chicken in the fryer basket for even browning. 
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to brown both sides. 
• Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. Begin testing for doneness around 12 minutes. 
• Always check your chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

Variations

• Adjust The Spice – Marinating in hot sauce is what makes this air fryer southern fried chicken. The hot sauce is more for flavor than heat, but you can leave it out. You can also increase the hot sauce if you like spicier chicken. If you like it really spicy, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.  
• Experiment With Seasonings – We selected traditional seasonings but feel free to experiment with what you have in your pantry. Some spices to try include celery salt, ground mustard, ground ginger, basil, oregano, etc. 

Budget-Friendly Tips 

• Buy Chicken In Bulk – Purchase chicken in bulk or when it is on sale. Store it in the freezer until needed. 
• Cook Extra – Cook additional chicken pieces to save time and use them for lunches during the week to save money. 
• Make It A Meal – Serve fried chicken with potatoes and a few veggies to make it a complete meal.
• Make It Lighter – Serve the air fryer fried chicken thigh sliced over a salad. 

Make Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Set the frozen chicken in the fridge to thaw overnight. Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before cooking. 
• Store – Leftovers must be refrigerated. Cover in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze – Fried chicken is perfect for freezing. Here’s how to do it:
  • Cool the chicken and wrap each piece tightly in foil. 
  • Place the chicken pieces into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container.
  • Store for up to 3 months. 
  • Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer. 

Meal Prep

• Make extra chicken to use for other meals throughout the week or to freeze for later. 
• This recipe stores for 3 days, so you can eat it on the day you cook it, plus 3 more days.
• Cool the chicken uncovered and wrap once cool to help keep the coating intact. 
• Reheat fried chicken in the air fryer or the oven so it crisps up and doesn’t get chewy. 
• Don’t underestimate the deliciousness of cold fried chicken!

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Parmesan Fries.
• Smothered Green Beans.
• Loaded Ranch Potato Salad.
• Marinated Tomatoes with Basil.

More Recipes You May Like

• Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
• Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken.
• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken.
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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