Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Perfectly marinated and air fried to golden perfection, it delivers a crispy crust while remaining juicy and tender inside. This healthier version of traditional fried chicken will become a family favorite in no time.

Thanks to the buttermilk marinade and a flavorful spice blend, each bite bursts with savory goodness and just the right amount of heat. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and quicker cooking, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken (3-4 pounds): Cut into 10 pieces for even cooking and convenient serving sizes.
• Kosher salt for marinating: Adds fundamental seasoning to tenderize and enhance chicken flavor.
• Kosher salt for seasoning: Used in the dredging mix to balance spices and boost taste.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon for seasoning, ½ teaspoon for dredging): Brings a mild heat and depth to the crust and meat.
• Buttermilk (2 cups): Acts as a tenderizing marinade that adds subtle tang and moisture.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates the crispy coating when mixed with spices and fried.
• Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Provides aromatic savoriness boosting overall flavor complexity.
• Paprika (2 tablespoons): Adds vibrant color and smoky, sweet undertones.
• Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives the crust a gentle spicy kick without overpowering.
• Onion powder (1 tablespoon): Enhances savory notes and creates depth in the breading.
• Ground mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tangy warmth to the coating.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps crisp the chicken in the air fryer.

Instructions

Cut and Season the Chicken

Begin by cutting the whole chicken into 10 evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly over the pieces. This initial seasoning layers flavor right into the meat.

Marinate in Buttermilk

Pour 2 cups of buttermilk over the chicken pieces in a large bowl until fully submerged. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, creating a juicy and flavorful result.

Prepare the Dredging Mix

In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 cups all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. This spice blend forms the crispy and flavorful coating.

Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390ºF and spray the racks lightly with cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and promotes an even golden crust.

Coat the Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from buttermilk letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture and gently shake off any extra flour. The thin coating will crisp up perfectly during cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures an evenly crispy exterior and juicy interior. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe eating.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness instead of microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy chicken alongside classic sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or honey for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of whole chicken?

Yes, boneless or bone-in thighs and breasts work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on size and thickness.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Is air fryer fried chicken as crispy as deep-fried?

While air fryer chicken is slightly less oily, it still has a wonderfully crispy crust thanks to hot circulating air.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.

How do I reheat leftover chicken without losing crispiness?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp texture nicely.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, ensuring perfect crispness on each piece.

What oil should I use for spraying?

Use a high smoke point oil spray like avocado or canola oil to avoid smoking and aid crisping.

Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken

This air fryer buttermilk chicken delivers a crispy crust with juicy, tender meat, making it a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional fried chicken.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course air fryer, dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 air fryer
• 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken 3-4 pounds, cut into 10 pieces
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt for marinating
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for dredging mix
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• cooking spray

Instructions

 

• Cut the whole chicken into 10 pieces and place in a large bowl.
• Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• Pour buttermilk over chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged, then refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard.
• Preheat the air fryer to 390ºF and lightly spray air fryer racks with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
• Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy, golden brown, and internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

Notes

• Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Ensure not to overcrowd air fryer for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer for best doneness.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.