Introduction
This crispy fried chicken is golden, juicy, and full of flavor, made healthier using an air fryer instead of deep frying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 4–5 chicken drumsticks (or your preferred chicken pieces)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
Instruction / Method
- Marinate the chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix flour with all the spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne).
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving.
Benefits
- Healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken
- Packed with protein
- Crispy outside, juicy inside
Nutrition (approx. per drumstick)
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 20–25g
- Fat: 12–15g
- Carbohydrates: 10–12g
Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-dredge: dip in buttermilk again and coat with flour a second time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to keep juices inside.
Conclusion
This air fryer fried chicken gives you the perfect crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior without deep frying, making it a healthier, flavorful option for any meal.