Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken ? Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of fried chicken magic? This recipe gives you crispy, delicious chicken without all the grease! So, Okay, let's get this show on the road!
Brief Overview
Southern fried chicken is proper comfort food. This recipe brings that taste to your kitchen. Plus, it's easier and healthier with the airfryer.
It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour plus marinating time. This will serve about 4 people.
Main Benefits
The airfryer cuts down on the fat. You get all the flavor without the guilt. This crispy air fryer chicken recipe is perfect for a family dinner.
What makes it special? It's a healthier take on a classic!
Let's Talk Ingredients
Right, so before we dive in, let's chat ingredients! We're talking chicken, obvs. But also some key bits to make it sing, like a brine to keep it juicy, and a breading that'll make you go "Oh my gosh!" when you bite into it! Here’s how to get started.
All About That Brine
Honestly, don't skip the brine, yeah? It’s the secret to healthy fried chicken recipe that's moist and flavorful. Think water, salt, sugar, pepper, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce.
Submerge your chicken and leave it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better!
Breading Like a Boss
Now for the fun bit, right? The breading! Flour, cornstarch, and a mix of spices are your friends. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, a pinch of cayenne.
.. you know the drill. Add a little oil to create clumps. This gives your chicken that proper crispy texture. And here are the equipments that you are going to need for this recipe.
List Of Equipments
Here is what we are going to need for preparing the Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken . So, don't miss anything to be prepared.
- Large bowl or container for brining
- Three shallow dishes (for breading)
- Meat thermometer
- Air fryer (model with sufficient capacity)
- Tongs
Air Frying Time
Alright, let's get frying. Preheat your airfryer to 375° F ( 190° C). Spray the basket lightly with oil. Cook the chicken for 20- 25 minutes.
Flip it halfway. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C). And here a link of the Air Fryer model and reference: Instant Pot Air Fryer .
Time To Eat
So there you have it! Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken , eh? Sounds like a right proper feast. Get ready for some crispy, juicy goodness!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken , eh? Sounds like a right proper feast. Before we dive in, let's make sure we've got everything we need.
Because honestly, there's nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe and realising you're missing something.
Main Ingredients for Killer Air Fryer Fried Chicken
For the Brine:
- 4 cups (950ml) cold water. Gotta start with a blank canvas, innit?
- 1/4 cup (55g) kosher salt. Quality salt makes a difference, I swear.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar.
- 1 tablespoon (5g) black peppercorns, lightly crushed. Freshly crushed is the way to go.
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed. Smash 'em up good!
- 1 teaspoon (2g) hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank's RedHot). A bit of fire, why not?
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks; about 2.5-3 lbs/ 1.1 - 1.4kg ). Skin-on is key for that crispy goodness, yeah?
For the Breading:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour, simple as.
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch. Helps with the crisp, trust me.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice). Proper buttermilk makes all the difference.
- 2 large eggs. Free range if you can, birds taste better when they're happy I reckon.
- 2 teaspoons (4g) paprika. Smoked is really nice if you want a twist.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) garlic powder & onion powder.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) dried thyme & oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick). Only if you fancy a bit of heat!
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt & 1/2 teaspoon (3g) black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, canola oil or avocado oil.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour is King, Innit?
For that classic Southern flavour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano are your best mates. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper.
A little cayenne pepper can add a nice kick, but it's totally optional. If you're missing buttermilk, milk with a splash of lemon juice works a treat.
Honestly, just go with your gut and what you've got knocking about.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
- Large bowl: For brining. A plastic container works too.
- Three shallow dishes: For the breading process.
- Meat thermometer: Gotta make sure that bird's cooked right through. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Your trusty airfryer . Obviously!
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken like a pro.
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy, and Oh-So-Good!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Are you craving that amazing, crispy Southern fried chicken taste without all the guilt? Honestly, me too! That's where the airfryer comes in.
It's a total game changer. We're talking about incredibly juicy, flavourful chicken with a satisfying crunch. Ready for an air fryer fried chicken recipe that'll knock your socks off?
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
Essential mise en place is key, innit? Get all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This keeps everything smooth.
I like to crush the garlic and measure the salt ahead of time.
Time saving organization tips are a must. I use three shallow dishes for breading. One for flour, one for egg wash, and another for the final flour coating. It's like an assembly line!
Safety reminders are always important. Make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer! No one wants salmonella.
The Air Fryer Process: step-by-step
- Brine time! Combine all brine ingredients. Make sure that salt and sugar dissolve.
- Submerge the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or overnight. Honestly, overnight is best.
- Breading station assembly: In one dish, whisk eggs and buttermilk. In another, flour, cornstarch, spices, and the secret : oil clumps! Rub oil into the flour mixture.
- Bread like a pro: Remove chicken, pat totally dry. Flour, then egg, then flour again. Press that breading on there! Let rest for 10- 15 minutes.
- Air Fry the magic: Preheat your airfryer to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spray the basket. Place chicken in a single layer.
- Cook to crispy perfection. Air fry for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. The chicken needs to achieve an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) , golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Ever wondered what separates good air fryer chicken from the best air fryer chicken ? Don't skip the brine! It's absolutely crucial for juicy chicken.
Common mistakes: Overcrowding the air fryer. Avoid that at all costs. Finally: You can prep the breaded chicken ahead of time.
Just keep it in the fridge!
Recipe Notes for Your Air Fryer Fried Chicken Feast
Okay, let's get this show on the road! You've got your Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe, eh? Sounds like a right proper feast.
But before you dive in, let's chat about a few key things. I learned these from a few uh-oh moments.
These tips will make sure your air fryer fried chicken recipe turns out absolutely cracking.
Serving Up Some Deliciousness
Plating is important, you know? Think about it. Arrange your crispy air fryer chicken on a platter with some fresh greens. A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of colour.
Coleslaw is a must have, honestly. Air fryer recipes for corn on the cob work great too. Don't forget your favorite dipping sauce! A creamy ranch or honey mustard really elevates the meal.
A cold glass of iced tea is the perfect drink, too. Honestly.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? I never do, LOL! But seriously, if you do, refrigeration is your friend. Pop the chicken in an airtight container once cooled. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing is an option too, but the texture might change a bit. Reheat it in the airfryer for that fresh out-the-basket crispness.
A healthy fried chicken recipe is always a win in my book!
Twists and Turns
Want to change things up a bit? Easy peasy! For a low-carb option, try almond flour instead of regular flour. It gives a lovely nutty flavor.
Seasonal swaps? Of course! In the summer, fresh basil and oregano are amazing. In the fall, sage and rosemary bring cozy vibes.
I like to use chicken thighs for air fryer chicken thighs and sometimes drumsticks for air fryer chicken drumsticks and for me that's the best air fryer chicken recipe .
Nutrition Bits
Let's break it down simply. This airfryer version slashes the fat compared to traditional frying. You still get the protein and flavour without the guilt.
Plus, chicken is a great source of energy.
Enjoying your air fryer fried chicken recipe can be a part of a balanced diet.
Alright, you're all set! Go forth and create some crispy air fryer chicken magic. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.
I'm sure that you'll remember that this is the air fryer chicken brine you need to always remember and keep in mind the air fryer cooking times chicken for the best results.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to brine the chicken before air frying? It seems like a lot of effort.
Yes, trust me on this one! Brining is absolutely crucial for juicy, flavorful air fryer fried chicken. Think of it like a spa day for your chicken it infuses it with moisture and seasoning from the inside out, preventing it from drying out in the air fryer.
It's the secret weapon to chicken that even Colonel Sanders would be proud of!
My airfryer fried chicken isn't as crispy as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?
Crispy chicken in the airfryer can be tricky, but you can ace it! First, make sure you are patting the chicken dry thoroughly after brining moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Secondly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation.
Finally, a light spray of oil on the breaded chicken before air frying helps to promote browning and crisping; think of it as giving the chicken a little tan.
How long does air fryer fried chicken last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Your leftover air fryer fried chicken should last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The best way to reheat it and keep it crispy is to pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken soggy, and nobody wants that!
Can I use other cuts of chicken besides thighs and drumsticks for this airfryer recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks are generally more forgiving and stay juicier, you can use other cuts of chicken like breasts or wings in your airfryer. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts like chicken breast may cook faster and have a higher risk of drying out.
Reduce the cooking time accordingly and keep a close eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). You might want to consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
I don't have all the spices listed for the breading. Can I substitute anything?
Of course! Cooking should be fun and adaptable. While the specific blend of spices creates that classic Southern fried chicken flavor, you can definitely make substitutions based on what you have on hand. For example, if you don't have dried thyme or oregano, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute.
Smoked paprika can add a lovely depth of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous. Experiment and find what you like best!
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
