Amazing Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Air fried chicken has revolutionized the way we enjoy this classic comfort food. It offers the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the excessive oil and mess. Buttermilk adds a tangy tenderness that makes each bite incredibly juicy. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, creating an irresistible dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience chicken perfection!

## Why Buttermilk is the Secret Weapon

Buttermilk isn’t just a creamy liquid; it’s a flavor and texture enhancer. Here’s why it’s crucial for amazing air fried chicken:

* **Tenderizes the Chicken:** The lactic acid in buttermilk gently breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy interior.
* **Adds Flavor:** Buttermilk imparts a subtle tang that complements the savory spices and creates a more complex flavor profile.
* **Helps the Coating Adhere:** The buttermilk acts as a natural binder, helping the breading stick to the chicken for a crispy, even coating.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken:** About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into roughly equal-sized pieces (about 2-3 inches).
* **Buttermilk:** 2 cups of buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
* **Hot Sauce:** 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (optional, for a little kick).
* **For the Brine:**
* 4 cups cold water
* 1/4 cup salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* **For the Breading:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* **Cooking Spray:** High-heat cooking spray, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Achieving Air Fried Chicken Nirvana

Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly crispy and juicy air fried chicken:

**Step 1: Brining the Chicken (Essential for Juiciness)**

Brining is the first key to ensuring your chicken stays moist during the air frying process. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and helps it retain moisture.

1. **Prepare the Brine:** In a large bowl, combine the cold water, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2. **Submerge the Chicken:** Add the chicken pieces to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, use a plate or bowl to weigh them down.
3. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1-2 hours. Do not brine for longer than 2 hours, as the chicken can become too salty.

**Step 2: Buttermilk Marinade (Flavor and Tenderness)**

After brining, the buttermilk marinade will take the chicken to the next level.

1. **Drain and Rinse:** Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
2. **Combine Buttermilk and Hot Sauce:** In a clean bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

**Step 3: Preparing the Breading Station (Crispy Coating Magic)**

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breading station. This will streamline the process and prevent a messy kitchen meltdown.

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Make sure all ingredients are well combined to evenly distribute the seasoning.
2. **Prepare a Separate Dish:** Have an empty shallow dish ready for the marinated chicken. This will help prevent the dry breading from becoming soggy.

**Step 4: Breading the Chicken (Double Coating for Extra Crunch)**

Double breading is the secret to achieving an extra crispy crust that holds up well in the air fryer.

1. **Dredge in Flour Mixture:** Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Place it in the flour mixture and toss to coat thoroughly, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure it adheres.
2. **Return to Buttermilk:** Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated again.
3. **Second Coat of Flour:** Return the chicken to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly once more, pressing the flour into the chicken to create a thick, even coating. The more you press, the crispier it will be.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken pieces. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

**Step 5: Air Frying the Chicken (Achieving Golden Perfection)**

Now for the crucial step – air frying! This is where the magic happens.

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 5 minutes. This is essential for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and the crust crisps up properly.
2. **Grease the Air Fryer Basket:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with high-heat cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Reapply cooking spray after each batch.
3. **Arrange Chicken in Basket:** Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding will prevent the chicken from crisping up properly. You may need to cook in batches.
4. **Spray with Cooking Spray:** Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with high-heat cooking spray. This helps to achieve a golden-brown color and enhances the crispiness.
5. **Air Fry:** Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray the other side with cooking spray. Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
6. **Check for Doneness:** The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
7. **Repeat with Remaining Chicken:** Repeat the air frying process with the remaining breaded chicken pieces.

**Step 6: Rest and Serve (The Final Touch)**

Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after air frying helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.

1. **Rest the Chicken:** Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to allow it to rest.
2. **Serve:** Serve the air fried chicken immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or french fries.

## Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** This is crucial for achieving crispy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use High-Heat Cooking Spray:** Avocado oil or canola oil spray work best.
* **Check the Internal Temperature:** Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
* **Don’t Skip the Brine:** It makes a huge difference in juiciness.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Feel free to customize the spices in the breading to your liking.
* **Experiment with Different Cuts of Chicken:** While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken, you can also use bone-in chicken, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
* **For Extra Crispy Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of baking powder to the flour mixture. This will help to create a lighter and crispier crust.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free cornstarch for the breading.

## Serving Suggestions

Air fried chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

* **Classic Sides:** Coleslaw, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac and cheese.
* **Healthy Options:** Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts), salad, quinoa, sweet potato fries.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** Use the air fried chicken to make delicious sandwiches or wraps with your favorite toppings.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can brine and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Bread the chicken just before air frying for the best results. You can also prepare the breading mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
* **Storage:** Store leftover air fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

## Air Fryer Cleaning Tips

Keeping your air fryer clean will prolong its life and ensure optimal performance.

* **Clean After Each Use:** After each use, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Remove the basket and pan and wash them with warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
* **Remove Stubborn Food Residue:** For stubborn food residue, soak the basket and pan in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes before washing.
* **Clean the Heating Element:** Occasionally, you may need to clean the heating element inside the air fryer. Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Use a damp cloth to wipe the heating element, being careful not to get any water inside the unit.
* **Use a Dishwasher (If Applicable):** Check your air fryer’s manual to see if the basket and pan are dishwasher safe. If they are, you can wash them in the dishwasher for added convenience.

## Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking.

* **Spicy Chicken:** Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or add a pinch of chili powder.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Add lemon zest and dried herbs (such as rosemary and thyme) to the breading.
* **Garlic Parmesan Chicken:** Add grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the breading.
* **Honey Garlic Chicken:** After air frying, toss the chicken in a honey garlic glaze.
* **Nashville Hot Chicken:** Toss the air fried chicken in a Nashville hot oil mixture after cooking.

## Air Fried Chicken: A Healthier Alternative

While traditional fried chicken is delicious, it’s often loaded with unhealthy fats and calories. Air frying offers a healthier alternative by using significantly less oil while still delivering that satisfying crispy texture.

By using an air fryer, you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without the guilt. This recipe is a great way to incorporate healthier cooking methods into your diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

## Conclusion

This buttermilk air fried chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The combination of the tangy buttermilk marinade and the crispy breading creates a truly unforgettable dish. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to experience chicken perfection! You won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and flavorful buttermilk air fried chicken!