Are you craving the crispy, mouthwatering taste of KFC's famous fried chicken but want to skip the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! Our Air Fryer KFC Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you love, with a fraction of the fat and calories. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and golden brown, all made in just 40 minutes! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that will have them begging for seconds. Don’t miss out on this deliciously healthier take on a classic favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy coating.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating mixture.
- Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating adheres to the chicken.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Spray the top of the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking time. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and maintain maximum moisture.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: After marinating, make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy coating, as excess moisture can prevent the flour from adhering properly.
- Season Generously: Don't skimp on the seasoning in your flour mixture. The combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper creates a flavorful crust that elevates your chicken to new heights.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps to create a nice, crispy exterior right from the start.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain that perfect crispiness.
- Use Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking spray on the chicken before cooking helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture we all love.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let It Rest: Allow your chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Pair with Your Favorites: Serve your air-fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or buttery biscuits for a complete meal that will delight everyone at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
