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The Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken

A pile of crispy, golden brown air fryer fried chicken pieces stacked high on a white plate.
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Make classic Southern-style fried chicken in your air fryer. This recipe uses buttermilk and a double-dip breading method to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior with much less oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces completely. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not wipe it dry.
  4. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
  5. Dip the floured chicken back into the remaining buttermilk mixture for just a second or two.
  6. Return the chicken to the flour mixture and coat a second time, pressing hard to create a thick, craggy crust.
  7. Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken pieces generously with cooking spray.
  8. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  9. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for air circulation. Do not overcrowd.
  10. Air fry for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
  11. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for the last 3 minutes to maximize crispiness.
  12. Check the internal temperature; chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, use chicken thighs and ensure the skin is completely dry before the initial buttermilk soak.
  • If using chicken breasts, cut them into uniform, thick pieces to promote even cooking.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to maintain high heat and crispiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken-recipe-crispy-juicy/