Introduction
Experience the crispy goodness of fried chicken without the extra oil, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer. This recipe brings a healthier twist to a classic favorite, perfect for any day of the week.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 kg chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or wings)
– 250 ml buttermilk
– 150 g all-purpose flour
– 50 g cornstarch
– 10 g paprika
– 10 g garlic powder
– 10 g onion powder
– 5 g cayenne pepper (optional)
– 5 g salt
– 5 g black pepper
– Cooking spray (oil)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cooking Instructions
1. In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other to cook evenly. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
6. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F).
7. Remove and rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer fried chicken!
**Detailed Directions and Instructions**
Soak Chicken
In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This process helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
Prepare Coating Mixture
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend adds a flavorful punch and crispy texture to the chicken.
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desired golden-brown color.
Dredge Chicken
Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture and shake off any excess flour. Each piece should be well-coated for optimal crispiness.
Arrange in Air Fryer
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they do not touch each other to facilitate even cooking. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Air Fry
Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.
**Notes**
Marinade Time
For best results, allowing the chicken to marinate overnight in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness.
Cooking Variations
Feel free to adjust spices or add your favorite herbs to the coating mixture for personalized flavor. For an extra kick, use more cayenne pepper.
Air Fryer Recommendations
Ensure your air fryer is clean and properly preheated before adding the chicken to achieve optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the crispy chicken with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal experience.
Storage Tips
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.
Cook Techniques
Marinating
Soaking the chicken pieces in buttermilk not only enhances flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy fried chicken.
Breading
Coating the chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch creates a crispy outer layer. The combination of spices adds depth and flavor.
Preheating
Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness. It helps the chicken start cooking immediately upon placement.
Layering
Arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket prevents overcrowding, allowing for consistent cooking and crispness on all sides.
Flipping
Flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process promotes even browning and ensures that all sides are crispy.
Cooking Temperature
Cooking at 200°C (392°F) strikes a balance between achieving a golden exterior and cooking the chicken thoroughly without burning it.
FAQ
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken pieces; however, the result may be less crispy since the skin contributes to that texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can create a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Can I add my own spices to the breading?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Is it possible to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken, but adjust the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature still reaches 75°C (165°F).
Conclusion
Experience a delightful, guilt-free version of a classic comfort food with this air fryer fried chicken. The result is crispy, flavorful chicken that satisfies cravings without the excess oil. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe showcases the ease and versatility of air frying, ensuring a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Try making spicy chicken tenders using the same buttermilk marinade, but slice the chicken into strips and adjust the seasoning to make them extra zesty.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Coat chicken breasts in the same flour mixture, air fry them until golden, then top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious twist on chicken parmesan.
Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken
Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your flour mixture for an aromatic and flavorful twist on the traditional fried chicken.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Use the same method with chicken wings, and after air frying, toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and sticky finish.
Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Bites
After frying, coat bite-sized pieces of chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy appetizer that pairs well with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
