If you crave that irresistible crunch and rich blend of spices just like the famous fried chicken but want to skip the deep frying, this Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It transforms simple ingredients into a golden, flavorful, and juicy masterpiece with that signature KFC flair, all made healthier and easier with the magic of the air fryer. The perfect balance of herbs and spices coated in a crispy crust will have you coming back for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for an unforgettable Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a key role—the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, the mix of herbs and spices brings that iconic flavor, and the combination of flour and cornstarch ensures a perfectly crunchy crust every time.
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breast, skin-on): Choose your favorite cuts with skin for the best texture and juicy results.
- 2 cups buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and ready to soak up spices.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the marinade.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Serves as the main coating, creating that crave-worthy crust.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Key for extra crispiness and lightness in the breading.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle sharp heat and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky color and mild sweetness to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the spice mix.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers an herbal earthiness reminiscent of classic Southern spices.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a bold, spicy punch.
- Cooking spray or oil spray: Helps the chicken crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without the extra grease.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic starts by soaking your chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. This simple step tenderizes the meat while infusing it with subtle heat and flavor. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if you have time—it really makes a difference in taste and juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice-Coated Flour Mixture
While the chicken marinates, blend together your flour, cornstarch, and all the fragrant spices into one cohesive coating mix. The cornstarch is key here—it gives your Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe that extra crunch that makes it feel truly special.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) to get it ready for frying without oil. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and crisps up evenly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off naturally, then press each piece into your seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Press firmly to make sure the coating sticks well and forms a thick crust.
Step 5: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. This little step prevents sticking and promotes an evenly crispy bottom on your chicken pieces.
Step 6: Arrange and Spray the Chicken
Place the coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don’t touch so they cook evenly. A light spray of cooking oil on top before cooking helps achieve that golden-brown finish we all love from the famous Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe.
Step 7: Cook the Chicken
Air fry the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even crisp all over. You want to see a beautiful golden color and ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safe, juicy perfection.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the fryer. This resting period allows the crust to firm up and become even crispier, locking in all the succulent juices.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika can brighten up your plate and add an eye-catching finish to your chicken. These simple touches add freshness and complement the rich spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe with classic Southern-style sides like creamy mashed potatoes, flaky biscuits, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the bold flavors. For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your chicken on a rustic wooden board paired with small bowls of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, spicy mayo, or a smoky barbecue sauce. Wrapping the drumsticks in parchment paper cones can make for fun, Instagram-worthy presentation too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist), store your chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat juicy and the coating fairly crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, avoid freezing for longer periods.
Reheating
Reheat your Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This refreshes the crunch without drying out the chicken, unlike microwaving which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pieces will cook faster and still taste fantastic, but keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out the chicken since the bones help retain moisture.
Is the hot sauce necessary in the marinade?
No, it is optional. The hot sauce adds a subtle spicy kick that complements the spices in the coating, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Why use cornstarch along with flour?
Cornstarch helps create a lighter, crispier coating by preventing the flour from absorbing too much moisture. It’s an easy trick to achieve that classic KFC crunch in your air fryer.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, though you might miss out on some of the extra crispiness that the air fryer delivers.
What is the best way to check if the chicken is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest method—your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees juiciness and safety without guessing.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe at home combines the best of comfort food with a healthier cooking method, delivering that crave-worthy crunch and spice your taste buds will adore. With straightforward ingredients and steps, you have a foolproof way to impress family and friends with juicy, crispy chicken anytime. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a permanent favorite in your kitchen repertoire!
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Crispy Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious recipe for crispy KFC-style chicken made effortlessly in the air fryer. This method uses a seasoned flour coating and buttermilk marinade to achieve a flavorful, juicy, and crunchy fried chicken without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breast, skin-on)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Flour Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to create an even seasoning blend.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure an even and thick coverage.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding or touching to allow for even cooking.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to promote a crispy texture during cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken in the preheated air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to crisp up further before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, marinate overnight and ensure the flour coating is well pressed onto the chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
- Cooking times may vary based on the size of chicken pieces and your air fryer model.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the crust crunch up perfectly.
