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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

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A quick and easy recipe for golden, crispy chicken with juicy, tender meat made in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion, delivering nostalgic comfort without the mess of traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Drain and coat: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Toss each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any extra flour.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly brush or spray the coated chicken pieces with olive or avocado oil.
  6. Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). Add 2-3 more minutes if needed for extra crispiness.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better coating adhesion. Use baking powder to achieve extra crispy skin. Lightly oil the chicken before air frying for golden color and crunch. Flip carefully to keep coating intact. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with 1 cup dairy-free milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, quick dinner, comfort food, fried chicken alternative

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat-guide/