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The Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Copycat Flavor)

Close-up of three pieces of golden brown, crispy air fryer fried chicken resting on a white plate.
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You can make incredibly crispy, juicy fried chicken right in your air fryer. This recipe uses a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned coating to give you that classic Southern fried chicken taste with significantly less oil. It is a healthy fried chicken alternative perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • Cooking spray (oil or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step makes the chicken juicy.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. This is your best air fryer chicken coating.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not rinse.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken firmly to ensure it adheres well.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray. This helps achieve the golden, crispy skin.
  7. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 20 minutes.
  8. Flip the chicken pieces, spray the other side lightly with cooking spray, and continue to air fry at 400°F (200°C) for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deep golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this guilt free comfort food chicken.

Notes

  • For extra crispy air fryer chicken, you can lightly spray the chicken again halfway through the second cooking stage.
  • If you are using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness sooner.
  • This recipe works well for juicy air fryer dark meat like thighs.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/