Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into medium pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until all the spices are evenly blended.
Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and extra tenderness, marinate for up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a little extra paprika if desired.
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it generously in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to create a crisp exterior.
Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Flip each piece carefully and spray lightly with oil again.
Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating becomes crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy with ketchup, garlic mayonnaise, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fry
- Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispiness.
- Lightly spraying the chicken with oil helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Chicken thighs remain juicier, while chicken breast offers a leaner option.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Chicken Fry pairs well with:
- French fries
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice
- Garlic bread
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Calcium: 80 mg
- Iron: 2 mg