Crispy Chicken Without Deep Frying:
Recipe Developer: Marrakech recipes
Last Updated: 13.05.2025
★★★★★ (4.9 from 27 reviews)
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | ♨️ Cook Time: 40 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes + brining
🍗 Servings: 10 pieces | 🔥 Difficulty: Easy
Why This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe Works
If you love crispy fried chicken but hate the mess and calories of deep frying, this air fryer version is your new go-to recipe. By using the magic of hot air circulation and just a light spray of oil, we achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside incredibly juicy. The secret lies in our special buttermilk brine and the perfect blend of seasonings that create layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Buttermilk Brine:
For the Crispy Breading:
Additional:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Brine the Chicken (30 mins – 2 hours)
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all brine ingredients except chicken. Add chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface) and refrigerate.
Why brining matters: The buttermilk tenderizes while the spices infuse flavor deep into the meat.
2. Prepare the Breading
While chicken brines, mix all breading ingredients in a shallow dish or pie plate. The cornstarch and baking powder combination creates an exceptionally crispy crust that rivals deep-fried versions.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer (5 mins)
Set air fryer to 300°F. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start – don’t skip this step!
4. Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crispy chicken, use the “double dip” method:
- First dredge in flour
- Briefly return to brine
- Dredge in flour again
5. Air Frying Process
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil
- Arrange chicken in single layer (no overlapping!)
- Generously spray chicken tops with oil
- Cook at 300°F for 20 minutes
- Flip chicken, respray with oil
- Increase to 400°F and cook 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F
Safety Tip: Use a meat thermometer – chicken will continue cooking to 165°F after removal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Brining Time: Minimum 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal for maximum juiciness
- Breading Technique: Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken for better adhesion
- Air Fryer Models: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer size and power
- Batch Cooking: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches and keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven
- Oil Spraying: Don’t skimp – this creates the “fried” effect
Serving Suggestions
Complete your Southern-style meal with:
- Classic creamy mac and cheese
- Fresh buttermilk biscuits
- Tangy homemade coleslaw
- Southern-style green beans
- Sweet cornbread
For dipping sauces, try:
- Spicy honey butter
- Buttermilk ranch
- Alabama white sauce
- Classic barbecue
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (reheat from frozen)
Best Reheating Method:
- Bring to room temperature (about 15 minutes)
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 470
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 1147mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Nutritional values are estimates only and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add 1 Tbsp cayenne to breading
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and Parmesan instead of regular flour
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for similar results
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Always thaw completely first for even cooking and food safety.
Q: Why is my breading falling off?
A: Make sure to shake off excess brine before breading, and press flour mixture firmly onto chicken.
Q: Can I make this without buttermilk?
A: Yes, use the milk+vinegar substitute or plain yogurt thinned with milk.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Chicken is safe at 165°F internal temperature (check thickest part without touching bone).
