Description
Crispy, juicy fried chicken made in an air fryer for a healthier, yet deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon regular paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cooking spray or 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil for misting
Instructions
- Marinate: Whisk buttermilk and egg in a bowl, then submerge the chicken pieces. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Mix the coating: In a large bowl, combine flour, panko, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until even.
- Dredge: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press each piece into the flour mix.
- Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in a single layer.
- Cook: Mist or brush the tops with a little oil. Air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, mist again, and cook for another 8–12 minutes until golden.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use rice flour and gluten-free panko. Make-ahead by marinating overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fried chicken, air fryer, comfort food, healthy chicken recipe