Air Fryer uses hot air to cook food, producing crispy, golden-brown results without the need for excess oil. With its ability to cook food evenly and quickly, the air fryer is a great option for making crispy, oven-style fried chicken.
To make crispy, Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C) and cook the chicken for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (73.89 °C) Let the chicken rest for a few minutes & then enjoy it!
This cooking method involves using hot air to crisp up the chicken, giving it a crunchy exterior without using too much oil.
Crispy Air Fryer Oven-Style Chicken
Course: Recipes4
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcal
Crispy, juicy, and flavorful, this air fryer oven-style chicken recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The chicken is coated in a light breading and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior.
Ingredients
1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, Cut into 1-inch Pieces
1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon Paprika
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and seasonings for at least one hour, or up to overnight if possible. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, while the seasonings can be tailored to your taste. Consider using spices such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more classic flavor. - Coat the Chicken in Seasoned Flour
Next, mix together a seasoned flour mixture of flour, baking powder, and your choice of spices. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, making sure to coat it well on all sides. This will help to create a crispy exterior once it’s cooked. - Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer: Before cooking, it’s important to preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C) to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
Cook the chicken for 15–20 minutes: Set the timer for 15–20 minutes and let the chicken cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (73.89 °C).
Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked. - Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender. Serve the crispy, oven-style fried chicken hot, with your choice of sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight: This will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (73.89 °C) to ensure that it’s fully cooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Make sure to give the chicken enough space so that it cooks evenly.
- Use a high-quality flour mixture: Using a mixture that includes baking powder will help to create a crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Try different seasonings and spices to find your favorite combination.
Tips and Techniques for Making Fried Chicken
Different types of chicken: You can use different cuts of chicken for this recipe, such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
Adjust cooking time for different cuts: Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Thicker cuts may need to cook for longer, while smaller cuts may cook faster.
Use a non-stick cooking spray: Before cooking, you can spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray to help prevent the chicken from sticking.
Flip the chicken halfway through cooking: For even cooking, it’s a good idea to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Serve with dipping sauces: Serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
By incorporating these additional tips and techniques, you can further enhance the overall experience of making crispy, oven-style fried chicken in an air fryer.
Oven Crispy Fried Chicken Vs. Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken
Oven crispy fried chicken and air fryer crispy fried chicken are similar in that they both aim to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior, but there are some key differences between the two.
| Feature | Oven Crispy Fried Chicken | Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken |
| Cooking method | Baked in the oven | Cooked in an air fryer |
| Cooking time | Longer cooking time | Typically cooks faster |
| Fat content | Higher fat content | Lower fat content |
| Texture | Slightly softer texture | Frequently crispier |
| Convenience | Less convenient | More convenient (faster and easier to use) |
Questions You Might Have
What is the best type of Chicken to use for this recipe?
You can use different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
How long does it take to cook Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, but it typically takes around 15–20 minutes at 400 °F (204.44 °C).
Can I use a different type of Flour for the coating?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour if you prefer. However, using a mixture that includes baking powder will help to create a crispy exterior.
Can I use a different type of Oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.
How can I prevent the Chicken from sticking to the Air Fryer basket?
Before cooking, you can spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray to help prevent the chicken from sticking.
Can I reheat Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat crispy fried chicken in an air fryer by cooking it for a few minutes at 350 °F (176.67 °C). This will help to maintain the crispy exterior.
Conclusion
Making crispy, oven-style fried chicken in an air fryer is a healthy, easy, and delicious alternative to traditional frying methods. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and endless flavor possibilities, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of classic fried chicken without the added guilt.
