Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC Recipe

If you have been craving that unbeatable, crunchy, juicy fried chicken but want to skip the deep fryer and extra oil, this Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC recipe is going to be your new best friend. This dish captures the iconic flavors, crispiness, and tenderness of KFC chicken using your air fryer, making it a healthier, faster, and super satisfying homemade meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe helps you whip up that classic comfort food with less mess and full flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Crispy: Uses minimal oil but delivers a perfectly crunchy coating every time without sacrificing juiciness.
• Quick and Convenient: Cooking in the air fryer cuts down the time and cleanup compared to traditional deep frying.
• Flavor-Packed: The secret blend of herbs and spices mimics that signature KFC taste effortlessly.
• Family Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this universally loved comfort dish.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust seasoning and breading for dietary preferences or flavor twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role: from the buttermilk marinade tenderizing the chicken to the seasoned flour creating that irresistible crispy crust.

• Chicken Pieces: Use bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and moisture retention.
• Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing and helping the seasoning stick to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the crunchy coating when combined with the spices.
• Seasoning Mix: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne to replicate that KFC spice profile.
• Baking Powder: Adds extra crispiness to the breading.
• Cooking Spray or Oil Mist: Lightly sprayed on the breaded chicken to promote golden browning in the air fryer.

Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC

If you love experimenting, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can tweak the spices, swap ingredients, or even make it suit your diet with these simple variations.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for more heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or crushed cornflakes for similar crunch.
• Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Extra Crunch: Double dip the chicken in flour after buttermilk for an ultra-thick crust.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the coated chicken in the oven at 425°F until crisp.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl and whisk in half the seasoning mix. Submerge the chicken pieces fully and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

Combine the all-purpose flour, remaining seasoning mix, and baking powder in a shallow dish. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor on every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere and ensuring a thick even coating.

Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, and mist the coated chicken with a quick spritz of oil for optimal crispness.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Cook the chicken for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and juicy inside.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC

• Use Skin-On Chicken: Skin helps lock in moisture and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It tenderizes and balances the seasoning while helping the flour coating stick.
• Spray Oil Evenly: A light mist promotes even browning and crunch without excess grease.
• Avoid Crowding: Keep chicken pieces spaced in the basket to allow hot air circulation for crispiness.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe and juicy 165°F internally.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a pop of color and subtle freshness that complements the crispy chicken.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, or buttery corn on the cob elevate the meal and bring out that homey comfort vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a toasted bun with pickles and mayo for a homemade chicken sandwich, or shred leftovers for crispy chicken tacos or salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping that crispy texture as fresh as possible.

Freezing

Freeze cooked pieces well-wrapped in plastic wrap then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispiness without drying out the juicy chicken beneath the crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, boneless or bone-in chicken breasts work well but may cook faster, so adjust air frying time accordingly to avoid drying out.

Do I need to oil the chicken before air frying?

A light spray of oil helps achieve that golden, crispy texture but using too much oil can lead to sogginess, so less is more.

How spicy is this Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC recipe?

It has a mild heat level similar to the original KFC flavor, but you can easily increase spice by adding more cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep it crispy and safe.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Marinating is key for tender, juicy chicken and helps the breading stick well, but if short on time, even a 30-minute soak improves texture.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this trusty Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC recipe up your sleeve, you can enjoy that crave-worthy crispy and juicy fried chicken anytime without the hassle of deep frying. It’s an absolute game-changer for homemade comfort food that’s healthier, fuss-free, and completely delicious. Get ready to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share this classic dish with you!

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