Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe (2024)

Updated: Mar 29, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · 165 Comments

Air Fryer Fried Chicken came about because my girl Pam brought an Air Fryer over because she didn’t have room in her apartment for it and wasn’t using it. I figured what the hell people rant and rave about these things.

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So I set out to learn how to use this thing. It really surprises me how this thing can pretty much duplicate certain textures and flavors without the added things to call it junk food. Let me tell you the amount of oil to make this chicken is minimal. Air fried chicken is really delicious. This machine makes crispy fried chicken comparable to a deep fryer.

If you sit down and learn how to use an Air Fryer it really can fill an empty void without all the mess. I am totally in love with this gadget. It has really become something that I use often in my kitchen.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is a simple one. In fact, I have had people doubt that it was going to be that good because of the simplicity of the recipe. My answer to people acting like that is have you tried it?

Normally there’s no reply or the answer is no I have not tried it. Well, me being a chef I know that to make something good it doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of the time simple is even better.

Sometimes it’s all about technique. When I came up with this recipe I set out to make a healthy version of kind of a fried chicken without all the calories and the fat. So I wanted to create a crunchy texture and a good flavor that was savory and salty and would keep you wanting to eat more.

How to Cook Chicken in the Air Fryer

Full Instructions and Ingredient List in Recipe Card Below

This Air Fryer Chicken is EASY to Make. It is one of the more simple air fryer recipes. It can be done with chicken breasts bone-in or chicken thighs or chicken legs or any combination of chicken pieces that you prefer. Once you make this dish it is going to become one of your favorite chicken recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you want the juiciest chicken then the best part of the chicken is for sure chicken thighs. I am a person that likes the dark meat of the chicken more. I usually buy chicken quarters and cut them up myself. It is easy to do and will save you a little money.

Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

Chicken breasts have a reputation for drying out, but an air fryer keeps that from happening. The quick cooking time means they stay nice and tender and the breading still gets extra crispy from the intense air circulation inside these powerful little machines.

Place in an air fryer basket and cook at 375° for 10 minutes. Flip chicken, and cook for another 5 minutes, until coating is golden and chicken is cooked through. This is for boneless chicken breast. If you are cooking bone-in chicken breast then follow the cooking times for the chicken thighs and cut time by just a few minutes.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Fried Chicken

• 2 to 3 Pound Bone-in Chicken Pieces
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Baking Powder
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Kitchen Essentials and Items Used in This Recipe:

Cosori Air Fryer Max 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
Hotec Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips
Misto Frosted Glass Bottle Oil Sprayer
365 Everyday Value, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mediterranean Blend
Magnetic Cheat Sheet Cookbook for Air Fryer, Cooking Times

Step 1 Season the Chicken

Mix in a Bowl Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika and Baking Powder together. Coat the chicken pieces with this mixture on all sides of the chicken and let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes like you have marinated the chicken. This is an IMPORTANT step. The reason for this is that the baking powder draws moisture out of the skin of the chicken. When the chicken is cooked this step will make the chicken much more crispy.

Step 2 Spray Your Air Fryer Basket and Add Chicken

Spray your Air Fryer basket with some olive oil or cooking spray and then Preheat Air Fryer temperature to 385 degrees. Once the Air Fryer is preheated put the chicken in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket you want some room for proper air circulation.

Step 4 Cook the Chicken

Set the cooking time on the Air Fryer to 385 degrees and the cooking time to 40 minutes. Spray chicken pieces with Olive Oil spray or cooking spray. Flip chicken halfway through the and spray with olive oil mist.

Other Recipes:

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
Parmesan Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

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