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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

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This recipe delivers ultra-crispy, juicy fried chicken using a double-coating technique and an air fryer for a healthier, fuss-free alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  2. Mix the dry coating: Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
  3. Prepare the wet coating: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. First coating: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, covering all sides. Shake off extra flour.
  5. Second coating: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then immediately back into the flour mixture for a second coat. Press lightly to adhere.
  6. Rest the coated chicken on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  8. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
  9. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip chicken and spray the other side. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until golden, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy crust. Rest coated chicken on a wire rack before cooking to help coating adhere. Flip chicken halfway through cooking and spray lightly with oil for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and cornstarch with arrowroot powder. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with coconut milk plus lemon juice and use egg replacer.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, double-coated fried chicken, easy fried chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, air fryer recipes

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/crispy-air-fryer-fried-chicken-recipe-5-steps-for-ultra-crispy-double-coated-perfection/