My air fryer special might entice any fried chicken lover. I marinate succulent chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coat them with a blend of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika and more. Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer has been so easy to make.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve been experimenting with air fryer recipes lately and my latest creation is all about that golden crispy fried chicken that tastes just like the traditional Southern style but with a modern twist. I start with 3 lbs chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of 2 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce, giving it that tangy kick right from the start.

Then i coat the chicken in a blend of 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 cup cornstarch and a few simple spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. I always love how the air fryer transforms it into that best air fryer chicken with an irresistibly crunchy coating.

Whether you know it as convection oven fried chicken, Ninja style or Insta Pot variant, this air fryer fried chicken is the real deal in my kitchen and its quick and easy to whip up in about an hour. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that perfect crispy bite with a really amazing flavor from the marinade and spices. I also enjoy how simple and straight forward it is to make even if I’m not a kitchen expert. It feels good knowing that using the air fryer makes it a healthier alternative that still tastes like traditional Southern style fried chicken. Plus, the way the buttermilk and hot sauce work together to tenderize the chicken just blows my mind every time I make it.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Chicken pieces pack protein and flavor, making them the star of this dish.
Buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness to keep the chicken extra juicy.
Hot sauce gives a spicy kick that really enlivens the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour creates that irresistible crunchy, golden crust you love.
Cornstarch boosts the crunch factor thanks to its fine texture.
Garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika add savory layers and a smoky aroma.
Baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper work together for a crispy, flavorful, juicy chicken experience.

Ingredient Quantities

3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)

2 cups buttermilk

2 tbsp hot sauce

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Cooking spray or a little oil for misting

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. In a big bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together then toss the chicken pieces in until they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder and cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick.

3. Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece out and let the excess buttermilk drip off.

4. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture making sure it gets a good even coating.

5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes.

6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil to help prevent sticking.

7. Place the chicken pieces into the basket in a single layer, making sure they dont overlap.

8. Cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through so they crisp up evenly.

9. Check that the chicken is done by making sure the internal temperature is 165°F and it looks golden like it should be.

10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle then enjoy your crispy homemade fried chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl for mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce with the chicken
2. A second bowl for combining the flour, cornstarch and spices
3. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients
4. A whisk or fork for mixing the liquids and dry ingredients
5. Tongs to handle and coat the chicken pieces evenly
6. An air fryer that can preheat to 400°F
7. The air fryer basket, lightly sprayed with some cooking spray or oil
8. A meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
9. A plate or tray for letting the chicken rest after cooking

FAQ

Q: How do i get the chicken really crispy in the air fryer?

A: Make sure you pat the chicken dry after marinating it in buttermilk and then coat it well in the flour mix. Also, dont overcrowd the basket so the hot air cooks it evenly.

Q: Do i need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?

A: Yes, preheating it for about 3-5 minutes helps a lot to get that perfect crisp that makes the chicken taste awesome.

Q: Can i use other cuts of chicken?

A: Sure, you can use any pieces like drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, but just keep in mind that cooking times might change a bit depending on the cut.

Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken?

A: It usually takes around 25-30 minutes total. Just flip the chicken halfway through and check that the internal temp reaches 165°F.

Q: Can i make extra if im cooking for a crowd?

A: Definitely, but its best to cook in batches. Overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken and you wont get that ideal crispiness.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the buttermilk, you can mix 2 cups of whole milk with 2 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles.
If you dont have hot sauce, try using some sriracha or red pepper flakes mixed with a little water for the heat.
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or even a gluten-free flour blend if thats what you have on hand.
Missing cornstarch? Potato starch works almost the same and gives a similar crisp texture.
If you dont have smoked paprika, plain paprika plus a pinch of chipotle powder can give you that smoky kick.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to pat off excess buttermilk really well before coating the chicken with the flour mix. If there is too much liquid, the crispy texture might not develop properly.

2. Preheat your airfryer and let it come to the right temperature before loading the chicken. Trust me, this little step makes a huge difference in how evenly the chicken cooks.

3. Don’t overcrowd the airfryer basket. Leave a bit of space in between pieces so that air can circulate properly; this helps get a better crisp finish on every piece.

4. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get equally crispy. Also, let it rest after cooking so the juices settle before you dig in.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

450

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large bowl for mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce with the chicken
2. A second bowl for combining the flour, cornstarch and spices
3. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients
4. A whisk or fork for mixing the liquids and dry ingredients
5. Tongs to handle and coat the chicken pieces evenly
6. An air fryer that can preheat to 400°F
7. The air fryer basket, lightly sprayed with some cooking spray or oil
8. A meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
9. A plate or tray for letting the chicken rest after cooking

Ingredients

3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
2 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Cooking spray or a little oil for misting

Directions

In a big bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together then toss the chicken pieces in until they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder and cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick.
Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece out and let the excess buttermilk drip off.
Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture making sure it gets a good even coating.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil to help prevent sticking.
Place the chicken pieces into the basket in a single layer, making sure they dont overlap.
Cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through so they crisp up evenly.
Check that the chicken is done by making sure the internal temperature is 165°F and it looks golden like it should be.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle then enjoy your crispy homemade fried chicken!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.