Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Forget the deep fryer and welcome a healthier, equally delicious alternative: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken! This recipe delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness of traditional fried chicken without the excess oil and mess. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, while the air fryer creates a perfectly golden-brown and crispy coating. Get ready for a family favorite that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier way to enjoy traditionally fried foods. Here’s why you’ll love this air fryer fried chicken recipe:

* **Healthier:** Uses significantly less oil than deep frying.
* **Faster:** Cooks faster than oven-baked chicken.
* **Crispier:** Achieves a wonderfully crispy exterior without the grease.
* **Easier:** Less messy and easier to clean up than deep frying.
* **Delicious:** Delivers the authentic fried chicken flavor and texture you crave.

The Secret to Perfect Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

The key to truly exceptional air fryer fried chicken lies in a few crucial steps:

1. **The Buttermilk Marinade:** Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Don’t skip this step!
2. **The Double Dredge:** A double dredge in the seasoned flour mixture creates a thick, crispy coating that holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
3. **Proper Air Fryer Technique:** Ensuring the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer and flipping them halfway through cooking allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
4. **Internal Temperature:** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** About 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and wings work best).
* **Buttermilk Marinade:**
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* **Flour Mixture:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons onion powder
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* **Cooking Oil:** Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the best air fryer buttermilk fried chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

**Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**

1. Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. You may need to weigh them down with a plate.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

**Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture**

1. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

**Step 4: Dredge the Chicken**

1. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Discard the marinade.
2. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture into the chicken to help it adhere.
3. Return the dredged chicken to the buttermilk marinade for a quick dip (this is the secret to a truly crispy coating!).
4. Dredge the chicken again in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the dredged chicken pieces on a wire rack while you prepare the remaining pieces. This helps the coating to set.

**Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer**

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

**Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken**

1. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
2. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and spray or brush with more oil.
4. Continue air frying for another 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

**Step 7: Rest and Serve**

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of frying it. Cook in batches for best results.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Spray with Oil:** Spraying or brushing the chicken with oil helps it to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. Check the chicken frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the flour mixture to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or try different herbs and spices.
* **Use a Wire Rack:** Placing the chicken on a wire rack after dredging and before serving helps to keep the coating crispy.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Fried Chicken:** Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture, or use a spicy hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
* **Honey Garlic Fried Chicken:** Brush the cooked chicken with a mixture of honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the flour mixture for a zesty twist.
* **Parmesan Herb Fried Chicken:** Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs to the flour mixture for a flavorful and crispy coating.

## Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Classic Sides:** Coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese
* **Healthy Sides:** Roasted vegetables, green salad, sweet potato fries
* **Southern Sides:** Biscuits, collard greens, cornbread

## Making Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also dredge the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before air frying.
* **Storage:** Leftover air fryer fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

## Reheating Instructions

To reheat air fryer fried chicken, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Conclusion

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a game-changer! It’s a healthier, easier, and just as delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With its crispy coating, juicy interior, and incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the deep fryer and give this air fryer version a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken!

Recipe Card

**Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken**

A healthier, easier, and equally delicious way to enjoy fried chicken! The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, while the air fryer creates a perfectly golden-brown and crispy coating.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 4 hours (or overnight)
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, wings)
* Buttermilk Marinade:
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* Flour Mixture:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 2 tbsp paprika
* 2 tbsp garlic powder
* 2 tbsp onion powder
* 1 tbsp dried oregano
* 1 tbsp dried thyme
* 1 tbsp salt
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
* Cooking spray or oil for brushing

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate Chicken:** Combine buttermilk marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken, ensuring it’s submerged. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. **Prepare Flour Mixture:** Whisk together flour mixture ingredients in a large bowl.
3. **Dredge Chicken:** Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Dredge in flour mixture, then dip back in buttermilk briefly, then dredge again thoroughly.
4. **Preheat Air Fryer:** Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
5. **Air Fry:** Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through.
* Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer.
* Experiment with seasonings to your liking.