Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Get ready to enjoy crispy, tasty air fryer fried chicken! It's a healthier and lower-calorie option compared to traditional deep-fried chicken. This simple air-fried chicken recipe gives you all the deliciousness of fried chicken without a lot of calories
Equipment
- a 6-8 quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces a mixed of chicken drumsticks and thighs, (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, (divided) I used Morton - more or less to taste
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, (divided)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, (more or less to taste), divided
Instructions
- Pat your chicken dry using a paper towel.
- In a bowl, beat the egg, adding a ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a larger bowl or a zip-lock bag, combine all-purpose flour with the remaining cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, and lightly grease the air fryer basket with some oil.
- Coat chicken pieces in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip them in egg wash, and let excess drip off. Roll chicken again in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Place chicken pieces in the basket, spray with oil, and cook for approximately 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check for doneness, remove cooked pieces and continue cooking the rest until fully done.
Notes
Buttermilk Substitute If you prefer not to use eggs as a binder, you can opt for buttermilk as a fantastic alternative. Simply substitute each egg with ½ cup of buttermilk.
Boosting Flavor with Seasoning To enhance the flavor of your fried chicken, don't hesitate to experiment with different seasonings. Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or poultry seasoning are excellent choices that can add depth and complexity to the taste. Sprinkle these seasonings into the flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor that sets your air-fried chicken apart.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don't pack too many chicken pieces into the air fryer basket at once. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and browning. If parts overlap, they might not get as crunchy.
Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your chicken and your specific air fryer brand/model. To ensure safe consumption, use a cooking thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Avoid Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Do not use non-stick cooking spray like PAM, as it can cause damage to the lining of the air fryer basket.
Storage. Let the fried chicken cool at room temperature for 30 minutes after cooking. Use a spacious airtight container and line its bottom with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the chicken crispy. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, making sure they don't touch or overlap. Seal the airtight container tightly to prevent air and moisture from getting in. Make sure the lid is secure. Properly stored, the leftover fried chicken can last 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 4 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Calories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 745mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 168IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!