Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken without Buttermilk

Introduction

Fried chicken is a timeless comfort food that has won the hearts of food lovers across the globe. Its golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior make it a perfect main course for family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers. Traditionally, fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor, then deep-fried to achieve its irresistible crunch. But what if you’re out of buttermilk—or simply want to avoid the mess and excess oil of deep frying?

Enter the Air Fryer.

This magical kitchen appliance allows you to create that same crispy, golden-brown crust with significantly less oil and mess. And the best part? You can make delicious fried chicken without buttermilk—using a quick and easy marinade that still delivers on flavor and texture.

In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy air fryer fried chicken recipe without buttermilk, provide helpful tips, ingredient variations, and answer common questions to make sure your chicken comes out absolutely perfect every time.

Whether you’re new to air frying or an experienced pro looking to simplify your fried chicken prep, this guide is for you.

Why Skip the Buttermilk?

There are several reasons why people choose to make fried chicken without buttermilk:

• Dietary Restrictions: Some people are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy.

• Convenience: Not everyone keeps buttermilk on hand.

• Flavor Preference: Buttermilk imparts a tangy flavor that not everyone enjoys.

• Time Saving: Traditional buttermilk marinades require hours of soaking. This recipe works with a quicker, flavorful marinade.

The good news? With a combination of oil, spices, and a few pantry staples, you can make fried chicken that’s just as crispy and juicy—without the buttermilk or the wait.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make easy air fryer fried chicken without buttermilk. This recipe yields about 4 servings.

For the Marinade (No Buttermilk Needed):

• 1/4 cup olive oil (or any neutral oil)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, drumsticks, or mix)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Cooking oil spray (for crisping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by rinsing the chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), soy sauce, minced garlic, and spices: paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it into the pieces until they are well coated.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. You can also do this overnight for more flavor, but it’s not required.

💡 Tip: The oil in the marinade helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper).

Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

✅ Why cornstarch? It creates a lighter, crispier crust than using flour alone—essential for air-fried foods.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the bowl, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture.

Press the coating firmly onto the chicken so it sticks well and forms a good crust.

Place coated chicken pieces on a tray or plate. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere better.

💡 Pro Tip: Resting helps prevent the breading from falling off during air frying.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy finish.

While the air fryer preheats, lightly spray the basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; leave a little space between each piece for proper air circulation.

Spray the tops of the chicken with oil spray. This helps the coating crisp up like deep-fried chicken.

Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.

Check for doneness:

• Chicken should be golden brown and crispy.

• Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) for white meat and 80–85°C (175–185°F) for dark meat (like thighs and legs).

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the crust to stay crisp.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, mashed potatoes, salad, fries, or coleslaw.

Optional Dipping Sauces and Sides

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Honey mustard

• Spicy mayo

• Ranch

• Garlic aioli

• BBQ sauce

Side Dish Pairings:

• Crispy air fryer fries

• Mashed potatoes with gravy

• Southern-style coleslaw

• Buttermilk biscuits

• Roasted vegetables

• Cornbread

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

1. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken
   It delivers better flavor and moisture.

2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
   Resting after dredging helps the coating stick; resting after cooking helps retain moisture.

3. Use a Food Thermometer
   Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked—safe and juicy.

4. Avoid Overcrowding
   Air fry in batches if needed to ensure each piece crisps properly.

5. Reheat in the Air Fryer
   Leftover fried chicken stays crispy when reheated in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 4–5 minutes.

Variations and Flavor Twists

Spicy Version:

• Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.

• Toss with buffalo sauce post-cooking for hot wings.

Herb-Infused:

• Add dried oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the flour mix.

Asian-Inspired:

• Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the marinade.

• Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy garlic glaze.

Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

• Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free (e.g., Tamari).

Troubleshooting FAQs

1. Why is my fried chicken not crispy?

• You may not have used enough oil spray.

• Overcrowding prevents airflow.

• Temperature may have been too low.

2. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless chicken cooks faster (around 15–18 minutes). Try chicken thighs or breast strips.

3. Can I freeze air fryer fried chicken?

Yes. Let it cool completely, freeze in airtight containers. Reheat directly in the air fryer.

4. How to make the crust extra thick?

Double dip! Dip chicken in marinade again after dredging, then dredge in the flour mixture a second time before air frying.

Healthier Fried Chicken—Guilt-Free Indulgence

One of the best things about using an air fryer is the ability to enjoy crispy fried chicken with up to 70–80% less fat than traditional deep frying.

Air frying also eliminates the need for massive amounts of oil, minimizes kitchen mess, and cuts down on calories—all while still delivering that signature crunch.

Plus, you skip the buttermilk without sacrificing tenderness or flavor. This makes it suitable for:

• Lactose-free diets

• Lower calorie plans

• Simplified meal prep

Conclusion

With this easy air fryer fried chicken recipe without buttermilk, you can enjoy classic comfort food in a simpler, faster, and healthier way. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or prepping a delicious game-day meal, this recipe delivers flavor and crunch without the hassle of deep frying or the need for dairy-based marinades.

The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavor, while the flour and cornstarch coating ensures it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. And because the recipe skips the buttermilk, it’s even more accessible and allergen-friendly—without compromising on taste or texture.

So next time that fried chicken craving strikes, grab your air fryer, skip the buttermilk, and enjoy this mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish. You’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying air fryer fried chicken can be!