Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!) Recipe

Dreaming of that crave-worthy crunch and juicy, flavor-packed bite—without the splatter or hassle of deep frying? This Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!) is here to make those comfort food dreams come true with way less oil but all the irresistible golden goodness you expect from classic fried chicken.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients in just the right combination to deliver that addictive flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role in building that signature crispy, perfectly seasoned crust and keeping the chicken tender inside.

• Chicken (bone-in thighs and drumsticks): Skin-on, bone-in pieces keep the meat moist and give you the best “fried” experience, just like the bucket classic.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses every bite with tangy richness—plus, it helps the breading stick.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t skimp; these go in both the marinade and breading for layers of flavor in every bite.
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: Taken from classic KFC flavor cues, these spices are essential for that signature warmth and color.
• Flour: The backbone of your dredge, helping create those classic crunchy ridges.
• Cornstarch: Secret weapon for an ultra-light, shatteringly crisp crust (and a must for air fryer fried chicken).
• Onion Powder: Adds savory, deep flavor to round out the spice blend.

Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)—it’s incredibly flexible and easy to customize whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry or tweaking for personal tastes and diets.

• Boneless Chicken: Swap bone-in pieces for boneless thighs or breasts—just reduce air frying time for juicy, quick-cooking strips or nuggets.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and substitute cornstarch to make this recipe entirely gluten-free and still shatteringly crisp.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot smoked paprika to the breading for a fiery Southern twist.
• Dairy-Free: Sub buttermilk with unsweetened, plain plant-based yogurt thinned with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry, then place it in a mixing bowl along with the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give it a quick toss to coat, and let it sit for about 10 minutes—this not only tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor but ensures your breading will cling perfectly later!

Step 2: Prepare That Iconic KFC-Inspired Breading

While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large, shallow bowl. Whisk it well—this is your secret blend to those famously golden, crispy edges.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Working one piece at a time, use tongs to lift the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Press each piece into the flour mixture, turn to coat both sides, and press gently so you get maximum craggy bits. Place the breaded chicken on a plate as you work.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy, Golden Perfection

Generously spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Mist them generously on top as well—this helps create those glorious KFC-style nooks and crannies! Air fry at 180°C/350°F for 15 minutes, flip, mist again, and cook 5 minutes more or until the chicken is crisp and at least 165°F inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes right after cooking—this lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness, and the coating stays shatteringly crisp. Serve piping hot and just try to resist stealing a bite early!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)

Garnishes

Let your golden chicken shine with a little shake of extra smoked paprika for color, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after air frying. For some Southern flair, chopped fresh parsley or chives add freshness—and don’t forget a few lemon wedges for brightness!

Side Dishes

This crunchy Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!) is practically begging for classic sides: think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, crunchy coleslaw, corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries. For a lighter mood, try a fresh garden salad or cucumber-tomato salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your air-fried chicken high on a wooden board family-style, tuck pieces into slider buns for a party, or serve over waffles drizzled with honey for a playful brunch. For picnics, wrap cooled pieces in parchment—they’ll stay crispy to-go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (it happens, rarely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The coating holds up surprisingly well, especially if you reheat it properly.

Freezing

To freeze, let cooked Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!) cool completely, then place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to six months—just be sure to separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick together.

Reheating

Skip the microwave so the coating stays crispy! Instead, reheat fried chicken in your air fryer or oven at 350°F until hot—this brings back that “just fried” crunch you can’t resist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sitting down to a plate of homemade Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)—golden, flavor-packed, and comfort food at its easiest. If you try this recipe, get ready to fall head over heels (again) for fried chicken—no deep frying required. Happy cooking!

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