Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Additional
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and ensure each one is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least four hours. Marinating overnight produces the most flavorful and tender chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, celery salt, white pepper, black pepper, mustard powder, salt, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess marinade to drip off. Press the chicken firmly into the seasoned flour mixture until completely coated. For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it with the flour mixture a second time.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 5 minutes. Preheating helps create a crispier coating.
Step 5: Arrange the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the coated chicken lightly with cooking oil to help achieve a golden-brown finish.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken
Cook the chicken for 12–15 minutes. Carefully flip each piece, spray the other side with a little more cooking oil, and continue cooking for another 12–15 minutes.
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer KFC Chicken
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Double-coat the chicken for extra crunch.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Spray the coating lightly with oil for even browning.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Cook in batches if necessary for the crispiest results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy air fryer chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Biscuits
- Garden salad
- Baked beans
Complete the meal with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 8% Daily Value
- Iron: 15% Daily Value