Indulge in the irresistible allure of crispy perfection with Air Fryer Fried Chicken—a healthier rendition of the classic comfort food that preserves the delectable crunch while minimizing the use of oil. This simple and delicious recipe transforms ordinary chicken pieces into golden delights, capturing the essence of traditional fried chicken without the guilt.
The journey begins with a buttermilk marinade, infusing the chicken with tenderness and flavor. As the chicken pieces luxuriate in the tangy embrace of buttermilk, a seasoned coating is meticulously crafted, featuring a blend of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This medley of spices ensures a symphony of flavors that complements the succulence of the chicken.
Preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) sets the stage for the magic to unfold. Each marinated and coated piece finds its place in the air fryer basket, where a light mist of cooking spray facilitates the transformation into a crispy masterpiece. As the air fryer works its culinary prowess, the aroma of golden-brown goodness permeates the kitchen.
In just 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, the Air Fryer Fried Chicken emerges with a golden, crunchy exterior that promises a symphony of textures with every bite. The result is a guilt-free indulgence, offering the same satisfaction as traditional fried chicken but with a healthier twist.
Served hot and golden, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken beckons with its crispy allure. Paired with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, it’s a delightful way to savor the essence of comfort food without compromising on wellness. Let each bite transport you to a world where indulgence meets health-conscious choices, making this recipe a perfect addition to your air fryer repertoire.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or preferred chicken pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil in a spray bottle
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken:
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
- Prepare Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer:
- Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Values Per Serving – Recipe Makes about 4 Servings):
- Calories: Around 300-350 kcal per thigh
- Total Fat: 15-18g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6-7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4-5g
- Sodium: 600-700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Protein: 25-30g