HOW TO MAKE EXTRA CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER

Craving the perfect crispy fried chicken without the greasy mess Thanks to air fryer technology you can achieve golden crunchy and juicy fried chicken with little to no oil Whether you are a home cook or a fried chicken fanatic this guide will walk you through the best techniques ingredients and pro tips to make extra crispy fried chicken in the air fryer Lets get cooking

WHY MAKE FRIED CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER

HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE Uses up to eighty five percent less oil than deep frying reducing unhealthy fats and calories EXTRA CRISPY TEXTURE Achieves a perfect crunchy coating without soaking in oil LESS MESS AND EASY CLEANUP No oil splatters or deep fryer maintenance required QUICK AND CONVENIENT Cooks faster than traditional frying with minimal prep time PERFECTLY JUICY CHICKEN Retains moisture while crisping up the exterior

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR EXTRA CRISPY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN

FOR THE CHICKEN

Four to six bone in skin on chicken thighs drumsticks or breasts adjust for preference One teaspoon salt One teaspoon black pepper One teaspoon garlic powder One teaspoon onion powder Half teaspoon paprika for color and flavor

FOR THE BUTTERMILK MARINADE

One cup buttermilk One teaspoon hot sauce optional for extra flavor One beaten egg helps with coating adhesion

FOR THE CRISPY COATING

One cup all purpose flour Half cup cornstarch for maximum crispiness One teaspoon baking powder adds lightness to the coating One teaspoon smoked paprika One teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a spicy kick One teaspoon salt Half teaspoon black pepper Cooking spray or oil mist for even crisping

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO MAKING EXTRA CRISPY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN

STEP ONE PREP THE CHICKEN

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture This helps the seasoning stick and improves crispiness Season the chicken with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and paprika

STEP TWO MARINATE IN BUTTERMILK

In a large bowl whisk together the buttermilk hot sauce and beaten egg Submerge the chicken in the marinade and cover Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour overnight for best results This tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor

STEP THREE PREPARE THE CRISPY COATING

In a separate bowl mix flour cornstarch baking powder smoked paprika cayenne pepper salt and black pepper Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture pressing the coating firmly to adhere well For an extra thick crust double coat by dipping back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mix again

STEP FOUR PREHEAT THE AIR FRYER

Preheat your air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit one hundred ninety degrees Celsius for three to five minutes This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture

STEP FIVE ARRANGE AND COOK THE CHICKEN

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray Place chicken pieces in a single layer ensuring they do not touch cook in batches if needed Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil mist to help crisp up the crust Air fry for twenty five to thirty minutes flipping halfway through Internal temperature should reach one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit seventy five degrees Celsius

STEP SIX REST AND SERVE

Let the fried chicken rest for five minutes before serving to lock in juices Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides

PRO TIPS FOR THE CRISPIEST AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN

USE CORNSTARCH AND BAKING POWDER These ingredients create an ultra light crispy texture
DOUBLE COAT FOR EXTRA CRUNCH For a thicker crust dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture
PREHEAT THE AIR FRYER Ensures an even cook and maximizes crispiness
DO NOT OVERCROWD Cook in small batches to allow hot air to circulate properly
LET IT REST Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps maintain juiciness

BEST DIPPING SAUCES AND SIDE DISHES FOR FRIED CHICKEN

DIPPING SAUCES

CLASSIC HONEY MUSTARD SPICY SRIRACHA MAYO BUTTERMILK RANCH BBQ SAUCE GARLIC PARMESAN BUTTER DIP

PERFECT SIDE DISHES

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS CREAMY MASHED POTATOES COLESLAW SWEET CORN ON THE COB MAC AND CHEESE

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN AIR FRYING FRIED CHICKEN

SKIPPING THE MARINADE Buttermilk helps break down proteins making the chicken tender and flavorful
USING TOO MUCH FLOUR Excess coating can cause a floury texture rather than crispiness Shake off the extra
NOT FLIPPING HALFWAY Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides
USING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE OIL Lightly spray with oil too much makes it soggy too little prevents crisping
OVERCROWDING THE AIR FRYER Crowded baskets lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQS

CAN I USE BONELESS CHICKEN

YES BONELESS THIGHS OR BREASTS WORK WELL BUT COOK FASTER REDUCE TIME TO EIGHTEEN TO TWENTY TWO MINUTES AND CHECK DONENESS

DO I NEED TO USE BUTTERMILK

BUTTERMILK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR FLAVOR AND TENDERNESS BUT YOU CAN SUBSTITUTE WITH MILK PLUS ONE TABLESPOON OF VINEGAR OR LEMON JUICE

CAN I MAKE THIS GLUTEN FREE

YES USE GLUTEN FREE FLOUR AND CORNSTARCH FOR THE COATING

WHY IS MY CHICKEN NOT CRISPY

ENSURE YOU
PREHEAT THE AIR FRYER
DO NOT OVERCROWD THE BASKET
LIGHTLY SPRAY WITH OIL FOR PROPER CRISPING

CAN I STORE LEFTOVERS

YES STORE IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER IN THE FRIDGE FOR THREE TO FOUR DAYS REHEAT IN THE AIR FRYER AT THREE HUNDRED FIFTY DEGREES FAHRENHEIT ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE DEGREES CELSIUS FOR FIVE TO SEVEN MINUTES TO RESTORE CRISPINESS

FINAL THOUGHTS ENJOY YOUR EXTRA CRISPY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE SECRETS TO MAKING EXTRA CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER IT IS TIME TO PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST WHETHER YOU ARE COOKING FOR A WEEKNIGHT DINNER GAME DAY OR A FAMILY GATHERING THIS RECIPE DELIVERS PERFECTLY GOLDEN JUICY AND CRUNCHY RESULTS EVERY TIME