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Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe

📝 Introduction: Bringing the Colonel’s Secret Recipe Home

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and crave-worthy about a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. That signature golden-brown crust, the juicy, tender meat inside, and the perfect balance of herbs and spices — KFC has made its chicken world-famous. But what if you could recreate that deliciously crispy chicken at home, using less oil, more convenience, and even healthier cooking methods? That’s where the air fryer comes in.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into creating the ultimate Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe, offering you the same savory satisfaction without the deep fryer. Whether you’re trying to avoid excess oil or simply want a cleaner way to fry chicken, this method gives you all the crunch and flavor of the original — without the guilt.

We’ll walk through everything from selecting the right cuts of chicken to marinating techniques, mastering the coating, choosing the perfect seasoning blend (yes, including a version of the “11 herbs and spices”), and, of course, air frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Whether you’re preparing this for a weekend feast, a family dinner, or a late-night snack, this KFC-inspired air fryer recipe will become a new favorite. Let’s get started!

🍗 Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe

📋 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (cut into 8–10 pieces) or 8–10 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for marinade)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the “KFC-Style” Seasoned Flour:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp celery salt

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • ½ tsp white pepper (adds depth of heat)

  • ½ tsp mustard powder

  • ½ tsp ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp ground allspice

For Extra Crunch (optional):

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (mixed with the flour)

  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

🕒 Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)

  • Marinating time: 2–12 hours (overnight preferred)

  • Cooking time: 25–30 minutes per batch

  • Total time: ~3 hours (including marinating)

🧂 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is key to achieving that juicy, flavorful inside, just like KFC. It helps tenderize the meat and adds layers of flavor.

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

  2. Add your chicken pieces, coating each one well.

  3. Cover the bowl or place everything in a zip-lock bag, refrigerate, and let it marinate for at least 2 hours — overnight is best for deep flavor.

Chef’s Tip: If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will still add moisture and taste.

🌿 Step 2: Mix the “Secret” KFC Spice Blend

This is where the magic happens. The flour coating is infused with an aromatic blend of 11 herbs and spices, famously associated with KFC. It gives the chicken that unique, addictive flavor.

  1. In a separate large bowl, whisk together:

    • All-purpose flour

    • Paprika

    • Onion powder

    • Garlic powder

    • Dried thyme

    • Dried basil

    • Dried oregano

    • Celery salt

    • Ground black pepper

    • White pepper

    • Mustard powder

    • Ground ginger

    • Ground allspice

  2. Mix well until evenly combined. Add panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.

Optional: Taste a pinch of the flour to see if you want more salt, heat, or herbs.

🧄 Step 3: Coat the Chicken

You’ll want to double-coat your chicken to get that authentic thick and crispy KFC-style crust.

  1. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.

  2. Dredge each piece into the seasoned flour mixture.

  3. Shake off the excess and dip it back into the buttermilk marinade.

  4. Then dredge it a second time in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to form a thick crust.

  5. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack or tray and let them sit for 10–15 minutes (this helps the coating stick better when air frying).

🍳 Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes.

This ensures your chicken starts crisping immediately and cooks evenly.

🍗 Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  2. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.

  3. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking oil to help the coating crisp up.

  4. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with oil again.

  5. Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

For Extra Crispiness: Add 2–3 minutes at 200°C (392°F) at the end.

🧊 Step 6: Optional—Keep Chicken Warm Between Batches

If you’re making a large batch, place cooked chicken on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 100°C / 212°F) while you finish air frying the rest.

🧄 Suggested Dipping Sauces

  • Honey mustard

  • Spicy mayo

  • Barbecue sauce

  • Ranch dressing

  • Gravy (for a KFC-style meal)

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Make it a complete KFC-style meal by pairing your air fryer chicken with:

  • Mashed potatoes & gravy

  • Coleslaw

  • Corn on the cob

  • Biscuits or cornbread

  • Fries or potato wedges

Or go lighter with:

  • A fresh garden salad

  • Steamed green beans

  • Roasted carrots

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer KFC Chicken

✅ Don’t Skip the Marinade

Buttermilk is a game-changer for tender chicken. It also helps the flour coating adhere better.

✅ Use Bone-In Chicken for Authenticity

Bone-in thighs and drumsticks mimic the original KFC feel. However, boneless works great too, especially for quicker meals.

✅ Double Coating = Ultimate Crunch

This method is what gives the chicken its iconic texture — flaky, golden, and extra crispy.

✅ Spray Generously with Oil

Air frying doesn’t use oil the same way deep-frying does, but spraying the chicken lightly with oil is essential for a golden, crisp finish.

✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Leave space between each piece for the air to circulate and crisp all sides evenly.

✅ Flip and Spray Halfway

This ensures even browning and crunchiness on both sides.

🧼 Clean-Up Tips

Cooking chicken with a seasoned coating can leave crumbs behind. Here’s how to keep your air fryer clean:

  1. Line the basket with perforated parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.

  2. Soak the basket in warm, soapy water immediately after use.

  3. Use a brush to scrub away any stuck-on bits.

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I make this with boneless chicken?

Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time by 5–8 minutes depending on thickness.

❓ Can I skip the buttermilk?

You can use plain yogurt thinned with milk, or a milk + lemon juice/vinegar combo as a substitute.

❓ Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour for heat.

❓ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Let the chicken cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 180°C (356°F).

🍗 Nutrition Estimate (per piece)

  • Calories: ~250–300 kcal

  • Protein: 22g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Carbs: 18g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sodium: ~500mg

These values vary based on the cut of chicken and amount of oil used.

🎉 Variations

🔥 Spicy KFC Chicken

Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the flour blend. Serve with spicy mayo.

🧀 KFC Popcorn Chicken (Air Fryer)

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and follow the same method. Reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes.

🧄 Garlic-Parmesan Style

After air frying, toss the chicken with melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan.

🏁 Conclusion: A Crispy Triumph in Every Bite

With this air fryer KFC chicken recipe, you now have the power to enjoy that legendary crunch and flavor in your own kitchen — without the deep fryer, the oil splatter, or the fast-food guilt. You’re taking control of the ingredients, customizing the seasoning to your taste, and enjoying a healthier version of one of the world’s most beloved chicken recipes.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or preparing a platter for a game-day feast, this homemade crispy chicken will steal the show. And the best part? It’s faster, cleaner, and more satisfying than driving to the nearest KFC.

So go ahead — channel your inner Colonel, preheat that air fryer, and make your own bucket of crispy, juicy, golden-brown chicken that’s truly finger-lickin’ good.

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