Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers all the crunch of traditional fried chicken—without the excess oil!

Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, this chicken turns out juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Crispy & Flavorful – Achieve the perfect crunch with less oil.
- Healthier Alternative – Enjoy the taste of fried chicken with fewer calories.
- Easy & Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and an air fryer do the work for you.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, game days, or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 (4-pound) fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces (2 breasts cut in half, 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Spray olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Shake off any excess.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces, spray again, and cook for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well, but they will cook faster. Reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or deep-fry it at 350°F (175°C) until golden and cooked through.