Craving that classic, crispy fried chicken but want to skip the mess and extra calories of deep frying? Air fryer fried chicken is the perfect solution! This recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken, but with less oil and fuss. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Let’s get started on making this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Seasoned Flour:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
For Air Frying:
- Cooking spray or oil (to coat the air fryer basket and chicken)
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or a fork