Get ready to revolutionize your comfort food game with the most mouth-watering, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken that will make your taste buds dance with Southern soul food joy! Forget greasy traditional frying methods – this recipe delivers all the classic flavor with a healthier twist that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a soul food enthusiast or just looking to impress at your next gathering, this air fryer chicken recipe is about to become your new culinary superstar.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 3 lbs of chicken pieces, 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour in the 2 cups of buttermilk. Season the buttermilk with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor if desired.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your dredging mixture. In another large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off the chicken pieces, then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, shaking off any excess flour.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
- Serve your delicious air fryer traditional Southern soul food buttermilk fried chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like collard greens, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Marinate Matters: For maximum flavor and tenderness, let your chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
- Don't Overcrowd: Work in batches to ensure each piece of chicken gets crispy. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in steamed, soggy chicken instead of that perfect golden crunch.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to experiment with your flour mixture. Add cayenne for heat, dried herbs for complexity, or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Let It Rest: Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and preventing dry, tough chicken.
- Spray, Don't Soak: Use cooking spray sparingly to help achieve that crispy exterior without adding unnecessary oil.
- Serve Immediately: Fried chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your sides to be ready when the chicken comes out of the air fryer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
