Here’s a crispy, juicy Air Fryer Fried Chicken 🍗 — all the crunch of fried chicken with much less oil!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Servings: 2–3
Time: ~30–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prep chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Make coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
- Coat chicken
- Dip chicken in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in the basket in a single layer, not touching. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy crispy chicken with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Double-dip the chicken in egg and flour for a thicker crust.
- Spicy kick: Add more cayenne or chili powder to the flour mixture.
- Boneless option: Use chicken breasts or tenders; reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes.
- Flavor twist: Mix parmesan cheese or dried herbs into the flour for extra flavor.
I can also give you a buttermilk-marinated air fryer fried chicken version that’s extra juicy and flavorful if you want it.
Do you want me to give that version?
