Homemade KFC Chicken

by

🍗 Homemade KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer

Introduction

When it comes to fried chicken, few names are as iconic as KFC. The crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy meat seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices has become a global comfort food favorite. For decades, families have tried to recreate this classic at home, often with varying results. Traditional deep-frying techniques can be messy, oily, and not always the healthiest option. That’s where the Air Fryer enters the story—a modern kitchen tool that makes it possible to enjoy crunchy, flavorful chicken with a fraction of the oil.

This article explores how you can make Homemade KFC-style chicken in your Air Fryer, giving you that nostalgic fast-food taste with a healthier twist. We’ll cover everything from the secret spice blend to preparing your chicken pieces, coating them for the perfect crisp, and cooking them at the right temperature for that signature crunch.

By the end of this detailed guide, you’ll know exactly how to recreate that crispy, juicy, finger-lickin’ good chicken at home—without the buckets of oil. Not only will this save you money and calories, but it will also give you the satisfaction of mastering one of the world’s most famous dishes in your own kitchen.

Recipe: Homemade KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

For marinating the chicken:

  • 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)

  • 2 cups buttermilk (or whole milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

For the flour coating:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 2 tsp dried thyme

  • 2 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 tsp ground white pepper

  • 1 tsp celery salt

  • 1 tsp mustard powder

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp salt

For egg wash:

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

For finishing:

  • Cooking spray (neutral oil like canola or sunflower)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

  2. Add buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices infuse deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice-Flour Coating

  1. In a large shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, white pepper, celery salt, mustard powder, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Stir thoroughly so the spice blend is evenly distributed. This mixture is the “KFC-style secret blend” that will create the crispy crust.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

  1. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.

  2. Arrange three bowls:

    • Bowl 1: spiced flour mixture

    • Bowl 2: egg wash

    • Bowl 3: spiced flour again (for double coating)

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  1. Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let excess drip off.

  2. Dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture.

  3. Dip it into the egg wash, then back into the flour mixture for a double coat.

  4. Shake off excess flour and place on a wire rack. Repeat for all chicken pieces.

Step 5: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat Air Fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.

  2. Lightly spray the basket with oil.

  3. Place chicken pieces in a single layer—do not overcrowd.

  4. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

  1. Air Fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12 minutes.

  2. Flip the pieces, spray lightly with oil again, and cook for another 10–12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

  3. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from Air Fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Pair with fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a full KFC-style meal.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the marinade: Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy.

  • Double coating is key: This ensures extra crispiness.

  • Use cooking spray generously: It mimics the deep-fried texture without excess oil.

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary.

  • Experiment with spices: Adjust cayenne for heat or add smoked paprika for depth.

Nutritional Benefits vs. Deep Frying

Traditional fried chicken can absorb a lot of oil—sometimes doubling its calorie count. With the Air Fryer, you cut down on oil usage by up to 80%, while still achieving that iconic crunch. This makes it a healthier, guilt-free option without sacrificing taste.

Conclusion

Recreating KFC-style chicken in the Air Fryer is not only possible, it’s surprisingly simple and rewarding. By marinating the chicken, carefully seasoning the coating, and using the right cooking techniques, you can achieve that crispy outside and juicy inside that has made KFC famous worldwide.

With this method, you get the best of both worlds: the nostalgic comfort food flavor you crave, and the healthier benefits of Air Fryer cooking. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or special occasions.

So, next time you’re craving that iconic bucket of fried chicken, skip the drive-thru and make it at home. With the Air Fryer, you’ll be serving up Homemade KFC Chicken that’s just as satisfying—if not better.

 Finger-lickin’ good, indeed! 🍗✨

Leave a Comment