BEST Fried Chicken in Air Fryer with Flour

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BEST Fried Chicken in Air Fryer with Flour

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, fried chicken is an undeniable classic. The golden-brown crust, the juicy and tender meat inside, and that unmistakable crunch make it one of the most beloved dishes across the globe. Traditionally, fried chicken is deep-fried in hot oil, which gives it that irresistible crispiness. However, deep frying isn’t always the healthiest or most convenient option—it requires lots of oil, careful temperature monitoring, and leaves behind a greasy mess.

That’s where the air fryer comes in. Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making it possible to enjoy the texture and flavor of fried foods without the excessive oil. Using rapid hot air circulation, air fryers crisp up food beautifully, mimicking deep frying but with a fraction of the fat and calories. And when you coat chicken with seasoned flour, you get that old-school Southern-fried crunch we all crave—without dunking it in oil.

This article is your ultimate guide to making the BEST fried chicken in an air fryer with flour. We’ll cover:

  • The history and appeal of fried chicken.

  • Why air frying is a game-changer.

  • Tips for creating the perfect flour coating.

  • Step-by-step instructions to achieve crispy, juicy air-fried chicken.

  • Variations, sides, and pro tips to elevate your meal.

  • A full conclusion tying everything together.

By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently prepare air fryer fried chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant version—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

The Recipe: BEST Fried Chicken in Air Fryer with Flour

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make restaurant-quality fried chicken at home:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts – bone-in recommended for juiciness)

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar as a substitute)

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Flour Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme or oregano

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps crispiness)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

  • Olive oil spray (or any neutral cooking spray)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.

  • Pour the buttermilk over them, add hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

  • Mix well to coat each piece, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

    • This tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

  • Mix until evenly blended.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

  • Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

  • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks.

  • For extra crunch, dip the flour-coated chicken back in buttermilk, then dredge again in flour (“double dredge”).

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

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

    • Preheating helps achieve even crisping.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken in the Basket

  • Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

  • Arrange chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.

  • Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil spray to help crisp up the flour coating.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  • Spray lightly again after flipping to keep the coating golden.

  • Check with a meat thermometer: internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or fries for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is key to crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.

  2. Use buttermilk marinade. It not only flavors but tenderizes the chicken.

  3. Double dredge for extra crunch. Buttermilk + flour twice makes a thicker, crispier crust.

  4. Spray generously with oil. Flour needs moisture to crisp, and a fine mist of oil helps.

  5. Rest before serving. This allows juices to redistribute and the coating to set.

Variations

  • Spicy Fried Chicken: Increase cayenne pepper and add chili powder to the flour mix.

  • Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add dried rosemary, parsley, and sage for an herby flavor.

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend.

  • Boneless Chicken Tenders: Use chicken breast strips for kid-friendly fried chicken tenders.

  • Asian-Inspired Twist: Add five-spice powder and sesame seeds to the coating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your crispy air fryer fried chicken with:

  • Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, cornbread.

  • Healthier Options: Roasted vegetables, salad, air-fried sweet potato fries.

  • Dips: Honey mustard, ranch, hot sauce, or garlic aioli.

Nutritional Benefits

While fried chicken is usually seen as indulgent, the air fryer cuts down on oil significantly. Compared to deep frying, you’ll consume:

  • Up to 70–80% less fat.

  • Fewer calories per piece.

  • Crispy texture with healthier results.

This makes air fryer fried chicken a smarter choice for families who want flavor without guilt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not preheating the air fryer: Leads to uneven cooking.

  • Skipping the oil spray: Flour will stay powdery and dry.

  • Overcrowding: Prevents proper airflow, resulting in soggy chicken.

  • Undercooking: Always check internal temperature.

Conclusion

Making fried chicken in the air fryer with flour is the perfect marriage of tradition and modern convenience. You still get that crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender meat, but without drowning the chicken in oil. By marinating in buttermilk, dredging in seasoned flour, and using the air fryer’s rapid heat circulation, you can recreate the magic of classic fried chicken at home.

This recipe is versatile—you can spice it up, keep it mild, make it gluten-free, or adapt it to boneless tenders. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a weekend treat, or even a party platter, this air fryer fried chicken will impress every time.

So next time you crave fried chicken, skip the deep fryer and let your air fryer with flour coating do the work. The result? A healthier, easier, and equally delicious version of a timeless comfort food.

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