If you’re craving the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken but want to skip the mess and excess oil, the Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken is your solution. With the air fryer, you can achieve that golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior without deep frying in large amounts of oil. This recipe uses a flavorful seasoning mix and a simple breading technique to deliver an irresistible fried chicken that’s healthier but just as delicious as the traditional version.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or any chicken parts you prefer)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (this gives extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for a herbal note)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps with extra fluffiness)
- 1 large egg (for binding)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, if the egg needs a bit of thinning)
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for added crispness)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl or large plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Egg wash: In another bowl, beat the egg and add the tablespoon of water (if needed to thin out the egg wash). The egg will help the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Bread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it generously in the flour mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the breading sticks well. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you want extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken with olive oil or melted butter before placing it in the air fryer basket.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. You can check for doneness using a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Rest the chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve your crispy air fryer fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
Tips & Notes:
- Marinating time: For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, at least let it marinate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Extra crispy skin: If you want even crispier skin, you can lightly spritz the chicken with oil halfway through cooking. This will help the breading crisp up even more.
- Breading variations: Feel free to experiment with the breading mix. You can add grated parmesan, cayenne pepper, or even some dried herbs like oregano or basil for a twist.
- Air fryer size: The size of your air fryer will affect how many pieces of chicken you can cook at once. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
- Serving suggestion: Serve this fried chicken with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken:
- Healthier alternative: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making this chicken a healthier option without sacrificing the crispy texture.
- Crispy, juicy perfection: The coating becomes perfectly crispy, while the chicken stays moist and juicy on the inside.
- Quick and easy: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly and evenly, allowing you to enjoy a crispy fried chicken meal in under 40 minutes.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the seasoning and breading to your preferences, adding different herbs or spices to create a unique flavor profile.
This Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves fried chicken but wants to avoid the heavy grease. The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or game day snack!

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.