KFC-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade version has the famous KFC flavor, but with:

  • Less oil
  • No deep frying
  • Super crispy coating
  • Big bold seasoning

Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep!

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2½ lbs (1.2 kg) chicken pieces
    (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
  • 2 cups buttermilk (or milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

Crispy Coating

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional heat)

For Extra Crunch

  • ½ cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs

Spray

  • Cooking oil spray or olive oil spray

Marinade Method (Very Important)

  1. In a big bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic & onion powder.
  2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.
  3. Cover and marinate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) in the fridge.

Coating Method

  1. In another big bowl, mix all coating ingredients + cornflakes/panko.
  2. Take chicken from marinade, let excess drip off.
  3. Dredge chicken in flour mix, pressing well.
  4. Dip back into marinade, then coat again in flour for double crunch.

Air Fryer Cooking

  1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Spray basket lightly with oil.
  3. Arrange chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
  4. Spray chicken generously with oil.

Cooking Time

  • Drumsticks & Thighs: 22–25 minutes
  • Wings: 18–20 minutes
  • Breasts: 20–22 minutes

Flip halfway and spray again.

Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 75°C / 165°F and coating is golden & crispy.

Secret KFC Flavor Tips

Add ½ tsp MSG for authentic fast-food taste (optional)

Add 1 tsp brown sugar to coating for color

Add ½ tsp turmeric for golden color

Let coated chicken rest 10 minutes before air frying

Optional Sauces

Honey Butter:
2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp honey + pinch salt

Spicy KFC Sauce:
½ cup mayo + 2 tbsp ketchup + 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp hot sauce + ½ tsp garlic powder

Perfect Sides

Mashed potatoes
Coleslaw
Biscuits
Corn on the cob
Mac & cheese

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 3 days
Freezer: 2 months

Reheat in air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 5 minutes

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