Craving that irresistible golden-brown fried chicken without the excessive oil and calories? Get ready to revolutionize your cooking game with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe that delivers maximum crunch and flavor with minimal effort! Whether you're a busy home cook or a health-conscious foodie, this recipe will transform your dinner routine and have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy coating.
- In a large bowl, pour buttermilk and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Submerge chicken thighs in buttermilk and marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Preheat air fryer oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coating.
- Arrange coated chicken thighs in air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray tops of chicken with cooking spray to help achieve golden crispy exterior.
- Cook in air fryer oven for 22-25 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking time. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Serve hot with preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure a super crispy exterior
- Don't skip the buttermilk marinade - it's the secret to tender, juicy meat
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation
- Lightly spraying the chicken with cooking spray helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and maintain crispiness
- Experiment with different seasonings in your flour mixture for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
