air fried chicken is soo good.

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional):

For extra juicy chicken, marinate your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have time for marinating, don’t worry! You can skip this step and still get great results.

2. Prepare the Coating:

In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine. This will form your crispy coating for the chicken.

3. Dredge the Chicken:

If you marinated the chicken, remove each piece from the buttermilk and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated on all sides. For an extra crispy layer, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it in the flour mixture again. This creates a thicker crust, similar to fried chicken.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get extra crispy.

5. Air Fry the Chicken:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. It’s okay if they’re close together, but try to leave some space between them so the hot air can circulate.

Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coat of olive oil spray. This will help the chicken get a golden, crispy finish.

Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes for bone-in pieces (wings, drumsticks, or thighs) or 15-20 minutes for boneless chicken breasts. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even crispiness. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, so check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.

6. Rest the Chicken:

Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the air-fried chicken immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
• Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat: If you’re worried about the chicken sticking to the basket, use parchment paper or a silicone mat designed for air fryers. Just make sure to leave space around the chicken for the air to circulate.
• Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with seasonings! You can add cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for a deep smoky flavor, or Italian seasoning for a herby twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your breading.
• Air Frying Times May Vary: Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces, cooking times may vary slightly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• For Extra Crunch: For even more crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes in your breading mixture. This will give the chicken an extra crispy coating that’s perfect for a fried chicken effect.

Variations of Air Fried Chicken:

• Spicy Air Fried Chicken: Add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your flour mixture for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle your cooked chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra layer of heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Air Fried Chicken: After cooking the chicken, toss it in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously savory garlic parmesan version.
• Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders or chicken breast strips for a kid-friendly, bite-sized version of air fried chicken. Adjust the cooking time to around 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to your breading mixture for a fragrant, herby flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

What to Serve with Air Fried Chicken:

Air-fried chicken pairs well with a wide range of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side for crispy fried chicken.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw complements the crispy texture of the chicken and adds freshness to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, whether grilled or boiled, is a great side dish for fried chicken.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: If you’re in the mood for the classic “fried chicken and fries” combo, toss some fries in the air fryer alongside your chicken.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion:

Air Fried Chicken is the answer to enjoying all the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken without the mess and heaviness of deep-frying. With just a little bit of oil, you can make juicy, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—all in under 30 minutes! This easy, healthier version of fried chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving at family gatherings.

So, if you’re craving crispy chicken that’s incredibly satisfying but not weighed down with oil, fire up your air fryer and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you for it!