- Buttermilk Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- Seasoned Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme or oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dredging: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down to ensure an even, thick coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Double Dredging (Optional): For an extra crispy coating, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the seasoned flour, ensuring a thick, even coating.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- First Cook: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken pieces using tongs. Spray the tops with a little more cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes. This helps the coating set and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Serve: Serve your air fryer fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. Add a side of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Patience is Key: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps maintain its juiciness and keeps the coating crispy.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to your taste. Add more cayenne for heat, or use different herbs and spices for unique flavors.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicier version.
- Herbed Chicken: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the flour mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
Air fryer fried chicken is a game-changer, delivering all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken with less mess and oil. The secret lies in the seasoned flour coating, the buttermilk marinade, and the magic of the air fryer, which crisps up the chicken beautifully while keeping it juicy inside. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for family dinners, game day, or any time you’re craving that classic fried chicken experience. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned goodness of air fryer fried chicken!