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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.