KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer 

Introduction

The craving for crispy, fried chicken can be hard to resist, especially when it’s the famous KFC-style flavor.

However, deep-frying can be messy, unhealthy, and require a lot of oil. The good news is that you can recreate this crispy and flavorful chicken in a healthier way with an air fryer.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken pieces: 6–8 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts with skin)

Buttermilk: 250 ml (1 cup) for marinating the chicken

Egg: 1 large egg (optional, helps with extra crunch)

Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour for the coating

Spices and seasoning:

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp celery salt

1 tsp mustard powder

3 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp white pepper

Salt and black pepper to taste

Oil spray: For lightly coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture

Optional ingredients: ½ cup cornstarch for extra crunch in the coating, 1 tsp garlic powder, and onion powder for added flavor

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better during frying. Once dry, set the chicken aside.

Marinate in buttermilk: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with 1 large egg (if using). Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring that all pieces are covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor.

Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, mustard powder, ginger, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the flour.

Coat the chicken: After marinating, take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid.

Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated. For extra crunch, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it with the flour mixture a second time.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes before placing the chicken inside. This step ensures the chicken will cook evenly and the coating will become crispy.

Spray with oil: Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking oil. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior as the air fryer circulates hot air.

Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded, as this can prevent even cooking. Air fry the chicken at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Check for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer.

Rest before serving: Once the chicken is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Serve and enjoy: Serve your KFC-style air-fried chicken with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion!

Variation

While this recipe is already delicious, you can try some variations to suit your preferences or experiment with different flavors.

Spicy fried chicken: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or paprika into the flour mixture for an added layer of heat.

Honey mustard glaze: After the chicken is cooked, brush a honey mustard sauce over the top for a sweet and tangy twist.

Lemon herb chicken: For a refreshing twist, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the flour mixture and use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme in the marinade.

Crispy coating: For an even crunchier coating, mix in a bit of cornstarch with the flour. This will help the chicken achieve a crispier exterior.

Vegetarian option: You can substitute the chicken with vegetarian “chicken” nuggets or plant-based pieces for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.

Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers, here are some tips for storing your air-fried chicken:

Refrigeration: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

Reheating: To retain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 180°C (350°F). You can also reheat it in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, cook from frozen in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

Making KFC-style chicken in an air fryer is an easy and healthier way to enjoy the beloved fried chicken without the mess of deep frying. With a simple marinade, a flavorful flour coating, and a few simple steps, you can recreate the iconic crispy chicken in your own kitchen.

Not only does the air fryer create a crispy and golden crust, but it also ensures the chicken remains juicy on the inside. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just satisfying a fried chicken craving, this air fryer recipe will be a hit. By experimenting with variations and spices, you can make this recipe your own and add new flavors to this classic dish.

This KFC-style air fryer chicken is a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a fast-food favorite without sacrificing flavor or texture. With its crispy coating and juicy meat, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.