Chinese Fried Chicken w/ Chef Eric Huang
Chinese Fried Chicken w/ Chef Eric Huang is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chefboylee on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $18.16 total, $4.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on) (about 2 lb, trimmed)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Five‑Spice Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp Crushed Black Peppercorns
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Vinegar Powder (can substitute with ½ tsp rice vinegar)
- 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for coating, sifted)
- 2 sprays Cooking Spray (or oil) (lightly coat basket)
Instructions
Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, five‑spice powder, salt, sugar, MSG, lemon juice, crushed peppercorns, chili powder, and vinegar powder. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large zip‑top bag, pour the marinade over them, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Flour Coating
In a shallow dish, spread the sifted all‑purpose flour. Remove chicken from the bag, letting excess liquid drip off, then lightly pat each piece with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Dredge the Chicken
Roll each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess. Arrange coated pieces on a plate.
Time: PT3M
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F) and preheat for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 180°C
Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly spray the air‑fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, then cook another 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F) and the coating is golden brown.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 180°C
Rest and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a wire rack, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside and the crust crisp.
Time: PT5M
Cleanup
Wash the mixing bowl, zip‑top bag (or discard), flour dish, and any utensils used. Wipe down the air fryer basket.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy (buttermilk), Gluten (flour), MSG
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on): Chicken Drumsticks, Chicken Breast (adjust cooking time)
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Five‑Spice Powder: Ground cinnamon + star anise (¼ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (1 tsp)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (½ tsp)
- Instead of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Umami powder or omit
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Crushed Black Peppercorns: Ground black pepper (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika + cayenne (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Vinegar Powder: Rice vinegar (½ tsp)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Cooking Spray (or oil): Olive oil brush
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Large Zip‑Top Bag
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for at least 6 hours
- Patting the chicken dry before coating
- Ensuring the air‑fryer basket is not overcrowded
- Cooking to an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle smoky flavor.
- For extra crunch, mix ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs into the flour coating.
Troubleshooting
Chicken skin is soggy, not crispy
Make sure the chicken is thoroughly patted dry and the air‑fryer basket is not overcrowded; increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes if needed.
Coating falls off during cooking
Allow the flour coating to sit for 2‑3 minutes before air frying; a light spray of oil helps it adhere.
Chicken is undercooked inside
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; if below 74 °C, continue cooking in 2‑minute increments.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Coated chicken can be frozen raw; air fry directly from frozen, adding 3‑4 minutes to cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of air fried chicken in American Southern cuisine?
While traditional Southern fried chicken is deep‑fried, the air‑fried version reflects modern health‑conscious trends in the United States, offering the same beloved crunch with far less oil. It has become popular at family gatherings and casual meals as a lighter alternative to the classic recipe.
What are the traditional regional variations of fried chicken in the United States?
Southern fried chicken often uses a buttermilk soak and a seasoned flour crust, while Nashville hot chicken adds a spicy cayenne glaze. Korean fried chicken is double‑fried and coated in a sweet‑spicy sauce. The air‑fried method can adapt any of these styles by adjusting the seasoning blend.
How is air fried chicken traditionally served in the American South?
It is typically served hot with sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and sweet tea. The chicken may be accompanied by pickles or a honey‑mustard dipping sauce for added flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is air fried chicken associated with in American culture?
Fried chicken is a staple at holidays like Thanksgiving, Fourth of July picnics, and family reunions. The air‑fried version is increasingly chosen for weeknight meals and health‑focused gatherings.
What makes this air fried chicken recipe special compared to other air fryer chicken recipes?
The recipe uses a six‑hour buttermilk marination with a unique blend of five‑spice, chili, and vinegar powder, creating a complex umami‑rich flavor while keeping the crust ultra‑crisp without excess oil.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fried chicken from Chefboylee?
Common errors include not patting the chicken dry, overcrowding the basket, and skipping the full marination time. Each mistake can lead to soggy coating or uneven cooking.
Why does this Chefboylee air fried chicken recipe use a six‑hour marination instead of a quick 30‑minute soak?
A longer marination allows the buttermilk’s acidity to tenderize the meat and lets the spices penetrate deeply, resulting in juicier chicken and a more flavorful crust.
Can I make Chefboylee’s air fried chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. After cooking, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the air fried chicken is done?
The coating should be golden‑brown, slightly glossy, and crackle when tapped. The meat inside should be opaque, juicy, and register at least 74 °C (165 °F) on a meat thermometer.
What does the YouTube channel Chefboylee specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chefboylee focuses on quick, flavorful home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring modern twists on classic comfort foods and efficient use of kitchen gadgets like air fryers and pressure cookers.
How does the YouTube channel Chefboylee’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Chefboylee emphasizes minimal prep, high‑impact flavor combos, and health‑conscious techniques such as air frying, setting the channel apart from traditional deep‑fried or time‑intensive comfort‑food videos.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
