If you love KFC-style fried chicken but want a lighter and healthier version, this recipe is perfect. Using an air fryer means you still get that crunchy coating without deep-frying in oil. The chicken turns out juicy inside with a crispy, golden crust outside.
This recipe uses a mix of herbs and spices similar to the classic KFC flavor. The buttermilk marinade helps make the chicken tender and juicy, while the seasoned flour coating gives it the perfect crunch. It’s a great choice for family dinners, weekend treats, or when you crave comfort food.
You can make this recipe with bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, or wings. For an even coating, shake off extra flour before air frying. Serve it hot with fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes for a real fried chicken dinner experience.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (or any bone-in chicken pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken – Put the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- Prepare the coating – In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- Coat the chicken – Take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, pressing the coating on well. Shake off extra flour.
- Preheat the air fryer – Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the chicken – Spray the air fryer basket with oil or brush lightly to prevent sticking. Place the chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry – Cook for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve – Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot and crispy!
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- For extra crunch, double coat: dip chicken in flour mix, back in buttermilk, then in flour again.
- Work in batches so the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- If your air fryer is small, keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
Crispy Air Fryer KFC Chicken
Description:
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor – this air fryer KFC-style chicken is a healthier take on the classic fried chicken. Perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or satisfying a comfort food craving.
Duration:
Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour or overnight.
- Mix flour with spices in a bowl.
- Coat chicken in flour mix, shake off extra.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in basket, spray with oil.
- Cook 25–30 mins, turn halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot and crispy.
