Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 2 tbsp vegetable oil

45 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy fried chicken made effortlessly in your air fryer!

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that many of us adore. Making it at home traditionally involves deep frying, which can be messy and not the healthiest option. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve that perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior with much less oil and hassle. This recipe will guide you through creating deliciously crispy air fryer fried chicken using a simple but flavourful seasoning blend. Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress without the guilt of deep frying.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.

Pro tip: Ensuring the chicken is dry helps the seasoning stick better.

Mix the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle vegetable oil over the flour mixture and mix with a fork until small clumps form.

Pro tip: The clumps will create a crunchy crust.

Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

Pro tip: Ensure an even coating for the best crunch.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

Pro tip: Resting the chicken ensures it stays juicy.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use skin-on, bone-in chicken for the juiciest results.
Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
For extra flavour, marinate the chicken overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook chicken in air fryer?

Cook chicken in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Ensure the chicken is dry before coating and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating the air fryer helps achieve even cooking and crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy air fryer fried chicken with your favourite dipping sauces, a side of coleslaw, or potato wedges for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

22g

Protein

20g

Fat

Deliciously juicy air fryer chicken breast ready in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Easy20 min

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