YT Recipe

How to Make PERFECT Super Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

How to Make PERFECT Super Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer is a easy Southern United States recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Big Shake on YouTube.

Prep: 19 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 42 min

Cost: $18.74 total, $4.69 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Chicken Wings (fresh, skin‑on, bone‑in (mix of drumettes and flats))
  • 4 pieces Eggs (large)
  • 0.5 cup Milk (whole milk)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Seasoned Flour (Chef Big Shake's award‑winning blend (contains 15 herbs & spices))
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda (helps create extra crispness)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder (works with baking soda for a light, crunchy coating)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Spray (spray bottle; can use vegetable oil spray or cooking spray)

Instructions

  1. Make Egg Wash

    Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl, add the milk, and whisk until fully combined.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prepare Seasoned Flour Mix

    In a separate bowl combine the seasoned flour with ½ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp baking powder. Stir to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Dry the Chicken Wings

    Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

    Time: PT2M

  4. First Egg Wash Dip

    Using tongs, submerge each wing in the egg wash, turning to coat all sides.

    Time: PT2M

  5. First Flour Dredge

    Transfer the egg‑washed wings to the flour mixture, rolling until fully coated. Shake off excess flour.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Light Olive Oil Spray

    Place the coated wings on a plate and spray them lightly with olive oil spray, covering all surfaces.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Second Flour Dredge

    Return the lightly oiled wings to the flour bowl for a second quick toss, ensuring a thick, even crust.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Preheat Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Arrange Wings in Air Fryer

    Place the wings in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil again.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  10. Cook Wings

    Air fry at 400°F for 13 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the wings halfway through.

    Time: PT13M

    Temperature: 400°F

  11. Rest and Serve

    Remove the wings, let them rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Contains Gluten, Contains Eggs, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How to Make PERFECT Super Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

Recipe by Chef Big Shake

A quick and mess‑free method to make ultra‑crispy, juicy fried chicken wings using an air fryer. The secret is a double dredge with seasoned flour, baking soda, and baking powder, plus a light spray of olive oil for that perfect crunch without deep‑frying.

EasySouthern United StatesServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.74
Total cost
$4.69
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Double dredge the chicken wings (first flour coat, oil spray, second flour coat).
  • • Spray olive oil evenly before the second coating.
  • • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the wings.
  • • Cook for exactly 13 minutes and shake halfway for uniform crispness.

Safety Warnings

  • • The air fryer gets extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling the basket.
  • • Olive oil spray can cause flare‑ups if sprayed too close to heating elements.
  • • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fried chicken in Southern United States cuisine?

A

Fried chicken is a cornerstone of Southern hospitality, tracing back to Scottish frying techniques and African seasoning traditions. Over centuries it became a symbol of comfort food, family gatherings, and regional pride across the Southern United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried chicken in the Southern United States?

A

In the Deep South, buttermilk‑marinated chicken with a peppery spice blend is common, while Tennessee hot‑fried chicken adds cayenne and paprika. Coastal areas may use a lighter batter, and some regions finish with a honey glaze for a sweet‑savory twist.

cultural
Q

How is fried chicken traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served hot with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and sweet tea. In many Southern homes, fried chicken is the centerpiece of Sunday dinner or holiday meals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fried chicken traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Fried chicken appears at family reunions, church potlucks, Fourth of July picnics, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, symbolizing abundance and communal sharing.

cultural
Q

How does fried chicken fit into the broader Southern United States cuisine tradition?

A

Fried chicken exemplifies the Southern emphasis on bold flavors, hearty portions, and comfort. It pairs with other staples like cornbread, collard greens, and sweet tea, completing a balanced Southern meal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern fried chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Southern fried chicken uses bone‑in chicken, buttermilk or milk for marinating, all‑purpose flour, salt, pepper, and a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Substitutes like almond milk, gluten‑free flour, or plant‑based oil sprays work, but they alter texture and flavor slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer crispy fried chicken wings?

A

Common errors include not drying the wings, skipping the double dredge, using too little oil spray, and overcrowding the air‑fryer basket. Each mistake reduces crispness or leads to uneven cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this air fryer fried chicken wing recipe use baking soda and baking powder in the flour coating?

A

Baking soda and powder release carbon dioxide when heated, creating microscopic air pockets that expand and give the crust a light, crunchy texture even without deep‑frying.

technical
Q

How do I know when the air fryer fried chicken wings are done and properly crispy?

A

The coating should be golden‑brown and crackly, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C). The wings will feel firm to the touch but still juicy inside.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Big Shake specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Big Shake focuses on quick, high‑flavor Southern comfort foods, especially using modern appliances like air fryers to simplify classic recipes such as fried chicken, fried fish, and mac & cheese.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Big Shake's approach to Southern fried chicken differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Big Shake emphasizes minimal mess and maximum crispness by leveraging air‑fryer technology, double‑dredging, and secret seasoning blends, whereas many other channels rely on traditional deep‑frying or slower oven methods.

channel
More like this:Southern United States RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Chef Big Shake

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