KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer

You can make a crispy, flavorful “KFC-style” chicken in an air fryer without deep-frying. Here’s a detailed recipe that mimics that iconic fried chicken taste.

Ingredients (serves 2–4)

For the chicken:

• 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp celery salt (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For spraying:

• 2–3 tbsp cooking oil (or nonstick spray)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken:
   • Mix the buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
   • Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Prepare the coating:
   • In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Coat the chicken:
   • Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
   • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to stick.
   • Optional: For extra crispiness, dip again in buttermilk and flour a second time.
4. Preheat the air fryer:
   • Preheat to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Air fry the chicken:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
   • Place chicken pieces in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
   • Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil.
   • Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and serve:
   • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

✅ Tips for extra crispiness:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Spraying the chicken lightly with oil helps mimic deep-fried crispiness.
• Letting the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy.

If you want, I can give you a shortcut 20-minute version that’s slightly less traditional but still very crispy and juicy in the air fryer. Do you want me to make that version too?