Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Coit on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $8.20 total, $4.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Pieces (bone-in, skin-on) (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix; skin left on for crispiness)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups Buttermilk (full‑fat for best flavor and tenderness)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1.5 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- as needed spray Olive Oil Spray (light coating on chicken and air‑fryer basket)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry, then sprinkle both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub in evenly.
Time: PT2M
Make the Wet Batter
In a mixing bowl, beat the 2 eggs, then whisk in 2 cups buttermilk until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Prepare the Dry Seasoning Mix
In a separate bowl combine 2 cups sifted flour, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tbsp paprika, plus the 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper used for seasoning. Whisk to distribute evenly.
Time: PT4M
Set Up the Dredging Station
Arrange three stations: (1) seasoned chicken, (2) wet batter bowl, (3) dry flour mixture. Keep a sheet pan nearby for the coated pieces.
Time: PT2M
Dredge the Chicken
One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the wet batter, let excess drip off, then roll it in the dry mixture. Tap the piece gently to shake off excess flour before placing it on the sheet pan.
Time: PT8M
Lightly Oil the Chicken
Spray each coated piece with a quick, even coat of olive oil spray on both sides.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the Air Fryer
If your model requires preheating, run the air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 360°F
Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly spray the air‑fryer basket, then place the chicken pieces in a single layer with space between them. Cook at 360°F for 20 minutes, flipping the leg pieces at the 10‑minute mark.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 360°F
Check Internal Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each piece; it must read at least 165°F.
Time: PT2M
Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes on a wire rack before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs, High protein
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (buttermilk), Gluten (flour)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Pieces (bone-in, skin-on): Turkey thigh pieces, Chicken breast (skinless, adjust cooking time)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup, Plain yogurt thinned with water
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use 1 clove per tsp), Onion powder
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, Cayenne pepper (use half the amount for heat)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (same amount), Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Ground cayenne (use less for heat)
- Instead of Olive Oil Spray: Cooking spray (canola or avocado), Brush with a thin layer of oil
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Sheet Pan or Plate
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Olive Oil Spray Bottle
- Meat Thermometer
- Bowl for Dry Seasoning
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken evenly with salt and pepper
- Maintain separate wet and dry hands when dredging
- Tap off excess flour before moving chicken to the sheet pan
- Light coating of olive oil spray on both chicken and basket
- Do not overcrowd the air‑fryer basket
- Flip leg pieces halfway through cooking
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner in the basket to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
- A quick 30‑second blast of high heat (400°F) for the last 2 minutes can add extra crunch.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after cooking; this prevents steam from softening the crust.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is not crispy enough.
Make sure to spray the basket and chicken lightly with oil, avoid overcrowding, and flip the legs halfway. Increase the final cook time by 2‑3 minutes if needed.
Batter falls off during cooking.
Tap off excess flour thoroughly before placing chicken in the basket and ensure a thin, even oil coating to help the crust adhere.
Chicken is undercooked inside.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; if below 165°F, continue cooking in 2‑minute increments. Thicker pieces may need an extra 2‑3 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze coated, uncooked chicken pieces on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 2 months. Re‑air‑fry from frozen, adding 5‑7 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for extra tenderness.
- Coated chicken can be refrigerated uncovered for up to 4 hours before cooking; place on a wire rack to stay crisp.
- Freeze coated chicken pieces on a parchment‑lined tray, then store in a freezer bag for later air‑frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of air fryer fried chicken in American Southern cuisine?
Fried chicken is a staple of Southern comfort food, originally cooked in deep oil. The air fryer version preserves the beloved crispy crust while reducing oil, reflecting modern health‑conscious twists on a classic dish.
What traditional regional variations of fried chicken exist in the United States and how does this air fryer version compare?
Regional styles include Nashville hot, buttermilk‑marinated Southern, and Korean‑style double‑fried chicken. This recipe follows the classic Southern buttermilk‑batter method, using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer for a lighter finish.
How is fried chicken traditionally served in the Southern United States?
It is typically served hot with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and sweet tea. The crispy pieces are often accompanied by honey or hot sauce for added flavor.
During which occasions is fried chicken traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
Fried chicken is a popular dish for family gatherings, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, picnics, and Southern festivals. Its comforting flavor makes it a go‑to for celebrations and casual meals alike.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Southern fried chicken versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include bone‑in, skin‑on chicken, buttermilk, all‑purpose flour, and a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Substitutes can be milk with lemon for buttermilk, gluten‑free flour blends, or turkey pieces, though flavor may vary slightly.
What other Southern dishes pair well with air fryer fried chicken?
Classic pairings include creamy coleslaw, buttery biscuits, honey‑glazed carrots, mac & cheese, and a simple green salad with vinaigrette. A cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade balances the richness.
What makes this air fryer fried chicken special compared to traditional deep‑fried versions?
The air fryer uses hot circulating air and a light oil spray to achieve a golden crust with up to 70% less oil, resulting in lower fat content while still delivering the juicy interior and crunchy exterior that define classic fried chicken.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer fried chicken?
Common errors include overcrowding the basket, skipping the oil spray, not tapping off excess flour, and neglecting to check the internal temperature. Each of these can lead to soggy coating or undercooked meat.
Why does this recipe use a dry‑hand and wet‑hand technique instead of dipping the chicken back and forth?
Separating wet and dry hands prevents cross‑contamination of flour into the batter, which would make the coating too thick and cause uneven crispness. The technique ensures a thin, even layer that crisps perfectly in the air fryer.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Coit specialize in?
Cooking with Coit focuses on "clean comfort cooking," delivering approachable, healthier versions of classic comfort foods with clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Coit's approach to Southern comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking with Coit emphasizes minimal added fats, straightforward ingredient lists, and practical kitchen hacks like the air fryer method, whereas many other channels may rely on traditional deep‑frying or more elaborate flavor profiles.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
