Craving that crispy, golden KFC-style chicken without deep-frying? This Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken recipe delivers all the bold, seasoned crunch with a healthier twist. Juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or satisfying takeout cravings—right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For Air Fryer:
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
How To Make Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce.
- Add chicken pieces, coat well, and cover.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight for best flavor and tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In another bowl, whisk together all the dry coating ingredients: flour, cornstarch, and spices.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly. For extra crunch, double-dip: dunk the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then re-coat with the seasoned flour.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place coated chicken in a single layer, not touching.
- Generously spray the tops of the chicken with oil.
- Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and re-spraying with oil to ensure golden crispiness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
You Must Know
- Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating stick.
- Double-dipping adds that extra layer of crunch just like KFC’s signature crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air flow is essential for crispy results.
- Use an oil spray to mimic deep frying and achieve even browning.
Topping Variations
- Drizzle with Honey or Hot Honey for sweet-heat vibes.
- Add Pickles on Top for a Southern twist.
- Dust with Cajun Seasoning or extra paprika post-air frying for smoky flavor.
- Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of freshness.
- Top with Cheese Sauce for a comfort food upgrade.
Make It A Meal
Pair your homemade KFC-style chicken with:
- Air Fryer French Fries or potato wedges
- Classic Coleslaw or creamy macaroni salad
- Buttermilk Biscuits or cornbread
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Iced sweet tea or soda for the full KFC experienc
Pro Tips
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best results—juicier meat and crispier skin.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before air frying; this helps the coating stick better.
- Preheat the air fryer—a hot basket gives you immediate sizzle for a crispier crust.
- Spray with oil, not pour—pouring oil will make the coating soggy.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to around 15–18 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I skip the buttermilk?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
Check if your air fryer was preheated, if enough oil spray was used, and avoid overcrowding.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the flour mix or hot sauce to the marinade.
Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Absolutely—air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy again.