Description

When crave-worthy fried chicken meets weeknight ease—this Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers every bit of that golden crunch and juicy bite, minus the grease fire panic. Buttermilk-marinated, spice-kissed, and cooked to perfection with a countertop hero you’ll swear was invented by a Southern grandma. No splatter, no stress—just finger-lickin’ comfort food you’ll make again and again!

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks, skin-on or skinless)
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
3 tbsp hot sauce (or 2 tbsp pickle juice for mild version)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper)
Oil spray (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate: Whisk buttermilk & hot sauce. Season chicken well with salt & pepper. Submerge & marinate in fridge at least 1 hr (overnight = best!).

2️⃣ Dredge: Mix flour + Old Bay in shallow dish. Remove chicken, let excess drip, coat in flour. Double-dip if you want extra crunch!

3️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Heat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Mist basket with oil.

4️⃣ Air Fry: Arrange chicken in single layer. Mist tops with oil. Cook 15 mins, flip, mist again, cook 10–15 mins until golden & internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).

5️⃣ Rest: Let rest 5 mins before serving—locks in juiciness!

Notes

Try Nashville Hot: Brush cooked chicken with melted butter + cayenne.
Keto? Use almond flour + crushed pork rinds.
Boneless? Pound thin, cook ~12–15 mins, flip halfway.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 cal Per Piece
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g