Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for crispy air fryer fried chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
   • Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
   • Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
   • Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
6. Air Fry the Chicken:
   • Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your crispy air fryer fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces and sides!