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Crispy Buttermilk Southern Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Close-up of a perfectly crispy piece of air fryer fried chicken resting on a white plate.
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Make Southern style fried chicken in your air fryer that is crispy outside and juicy inside using a simple buttermilk soak.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
  3. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not wipe dry.
  4. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere well.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  6. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 15 minutes.
  9. Flip the chicken pieces, spray the second side lightly with cooking spray, and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, spray the chicken again halfway through the second cooking time.
  • If using chicken breasts, slice them to a uniform thickness before marinating for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key to crispiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken-recipe/