Print

Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC

Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC
Print Recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Like KFC recipe offers a healthier, faster way to enjoy crispy, juicy fried chicken with minimal oil. Using a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, this recipe replicates the signature KFC taste and texture in an air fryer, making it a perfect homemade comfort meal for family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

Marinade

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 of seasoning mix (see below)

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • remaining 1/2 seasoning mix from above
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Additional

  • Cooking spray or oil mist (for misting the chicken before air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl and whisk in half of the seasoning mix. Submerge the chicken pieces fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining seasoning mix, and baking powder. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly for consistent flavor.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.
  4. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, then mist the chicken lightly with oil spray for optimal crispness.
  5. Cook Until Golden: Air fry the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken pieces to lock in moisture and achieve a crispy skin.
  • Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade as it tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere better.
  • Lightly spray oil evenly on chicken to promote crisping without sogginess.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for hot air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in flour after marinating.
  • To make it gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free cereal.
  • Oven-baking alternative: bake coated chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) until crisp and cooked through.
  • Reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, KFC style chicken, crispy chicken, buttermilk chicken, healthy fried chicken, gluten-free fried chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/air-fryer-chicken-like-kfc/