Ohhhh yes 🍗🔥 KFC-style chicken in the air fryer—crispy, golden, juicy inside, without deep frying. Here’s a flavorful, easy version that mimics that iconic crunchy coating.
🍗 Air Fryer “KFC” Chicken
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
Chicken
- 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
Marinade / wet mix
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Coating / seasoning mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch cayenne for heat
- Cooking spray or 1–2 tbsp oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate chicken
- Mix buttermilk + paprika + garlic + onion powder + salt + pepper.
- Submerge chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight = best flavor).
2️⃣ Prepare coating
- Mix all flour + spices in a shallow dish.
3️⃣ Coat chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess.
- Dredge in flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Optional: double-dip in buttermilk + flour for extra crunch.
4️⃣ Air fry
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 min.
- Lightly spray chicken with oil.
- Arrange chicken in single layer in air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook 25–30 min, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden and crispy.
Pro Tips
- Crispier coating: lightly spray with oil before and after flipping.
- Juicy inside: don’t overcook; use a meat thermometer.
- Seasoning: adjust spices for extra KFC-like flavor—smoky paprika + dried herbs are key.
- Variations: add a pinch of MSG (optional) to mimic the restaurant umami.
If you want, I can give a “super secret-style KFC 11-spice clone” version specifically optimized for the air fryer, with maximum crunch and authentic flavor 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
