Enjoy all the crunch of classic fried chicken with much less oil! This air fryer fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds (900 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)

Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Seasoned Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Cooking oil spray

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine the buttermilk with the marinade seasonings.
2. Add the chicken, making sure every piece is coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

3. Coat the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
• Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
• Press the coating firmly onto the chicken.
• Let the coated chicken rest for 10–15 minutes to help the coating adhere.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.

5. Air Fry

• Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking oil.
• Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
• Cook for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying any dry flour spots with a little more oil.

Approximate Cook Times

• Wings: 20–22 minutes
• Drumsticks: 24–26 minutes
• Thighs: 25–28 minutes
• Bone-in Breasts: 28–30 minutes

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• ✔️ Pat the chicken dry before marinating if needed.
• ✔️ Use cornstarch in the coating for added crunch.
• ✔️ Spray generously with oil to eliminate dry flour spots.
• ✔️ Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• ✔️ Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Flavor Variations

• 🌶️ Spicy: Increase the cayenne and add Cajun seasoning.
• 🧄 Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garlic butter after cooking.
• 🍋 Lemon Pepper: Toss with melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning.
• 🍯 Honey BBQ: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with a little honey during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

What to Serve With

• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Biscuits
• Potato salad

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 5–7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Pro Tip: For an even crispier coating, refrigerate the breaded chicken uncovered for 20–30 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating set and creates a crunchier crust. 🍗✨