Oh my goodness, have you ever craved that crispy, juicy KFC-style chicken but wanted a healthier way to enjoy it? Well, let me tell you, making airfryer KFC chicken at home is not only super easy but it’s also a game changer for your weeknight dinners! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can achieve that crunchy, flavorful coating that we all love, minus the guilt of deep frying. Seriously, I can’t believe how good it tastes and how much better I feel about indulging in it. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be whipping it up again and again, and your family will be begging for more!
Ingredients List
To make the most delicious airfryer KFC chicken, you’ll need these simple ingredients. Trust me, they pack a punch of flavor!
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts—your choice!)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for that tender, juicy goodness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (this is where the crunch comes from!)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adds a savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (because who doesn’t love onion flavor?)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a subtle kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this for flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Cooking spray (to ensure that crispy finish)
Gather these goodies, and you’ll be well on your way to crispy heaven!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the juicy details of making your airfryer KFC chicken! First things first, you’ll want to marinate your chicken pieces in buttermilk. This is key to achieving that tender, flavorful bite. Just pop the chicken in a bowl with the buttermilk and let it soak for at least 2 hours—if you can, let it go overnight for even more flavor!
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat those beauties. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until it’s all well-combined. This spice blend is what gives your chicken that classic KFC taste!
Next, take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Then, coat each piece thoroughly in that seasoned flour mixture—don’t be shy, really get it on there!
Now, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Once it’s hot and ready, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; we want that hot air to circulate for maximum crispiness!
Give the chicken a light spray with cooking spray to help it get that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks perfectly crispy! Ooh, I can smell it already!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing flavor.
- Deliciously crispy texture that rivals your favorite takeout.
- Easy cleanup, thanks to the air fryer—no messy oil splatters!
- Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken that your whole family will adore.
- Customizable spice levels to suit your taste—make it as mild or as spicy as you like!
Tips for Success
To absolutely nail this airfryer KFC chicken, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the marinating time—if you can let the chicken soak in buttermilk overnight, do it! This really enhances the tenderness and flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, make sure your air fryer is preheated to 380°F (193°C). This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust we all crave. Also, remember to give each piece a good coating of that seasoned flour, and don’t forget the cooking spray to help that golden-brown finish.
Lastly, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness. And always check that internal temperature—165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken! Follow these tips, and you’ll be the air fryer chicken hero in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my airfryer KFC chicken, I always like to keep an eye on the nutritional side, but remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use! Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that feels indulgent without completely derailing your diet! Enjoy every crispy bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect airfryer KFC chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
How do I achieve extra crispiness? To get that ultimate crunch, make sure to coat your chicken pieces well in the seasoned flour and don’t be shy with the cooking spray! Flipping halfway through cooking also helps, as it allows for even browning.
Can I use skinless chicken? Absolutely! Skinless chicken works fine, but keep in mind that it might not have the same rich flavor as skin-on pieces. Just ensure you coat it thoroughly to keep moisture in.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? No worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
How long do I cook the chicken? Cooking time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes at 380°F (193°C), but always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes! In fact, marinating overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your chicken, making it even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this mouthwatering airfryer KFC chicken, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it! I love pairing it with a classic coleslaw; the crunch and tanginess balance the savory chicken perfectly. You can’t go wrong with some crispy fries or sweet potato wedges either—seriously, who can resist that combo?
If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of homemade honey mustard or a zesty ranch dressing makes for a delicious dipping sauce. And don’t forget fresh veggies or a light salad to brighten up the plate. Your family and friends will be coming back for seconds, trust me!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover airfryer KFC chicken (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing it properly is key to keeping that delicious crispy texture. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating in the air fryer is the best way to maintain that wonderful crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will get it nice and crispy again, just like the first time! Enjoy every savory bite!
Print
Airfryer KFC Chicken: 5 Steps to Crispy Perfection
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe teaches you how to make crispy KFC-style chicken using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: airfryer kfc chicken, crispy chicken, air fryer recipe