Grandma Mae’s Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Fried Air Fryer Chicken
Grandma Mae’s Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Fried Air Fryer Chicken
I still remember the first time I tasted Grandma Mae’s air-fried chicken. It was a revelation that shook my notion of what fried chicken could be. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this dish proves that you can skip the frying and still achieve that satisfying crunch. Today, I’m excited to share this amazing recipe that’s perfect for family weeknight dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s healthier than traditional fried chicken, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.
Reasons to Try It
Why should you add Grandma Mae’s air fryer chicken to your recipe repertoire? For one, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require extensive kitchen skills. The ingredients are straightforward and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without breaking the bank.
“I can’t believe this chicken isn’t fried! It’s so crispy and full of flavor. My kids devoured it, and I felt great serving them something healthier!” — Happy Home Cook
Not only is this recipe a hit among kids and adults alike, but the marinating process ensures that the chicken stays juicy while the air fryer provides that golden, crispy exterior. This recipe is excellent for any occasion, from a casual family meal to more festive gatherings.
Preparing Grandma Mae’s Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Fried Air Fryer Chicken
Let’s break down the process of creating this incredible dish. It involves marinating the chicken, creating a flavorful coating, and then cooking it to crispy perfection in an air fryer. This step-by-step overview will guide you through each part of the preparation so you know exactly what to expect.
Gather These Items
Here’s your essential ingredient list for Grandma Mae’s air fryer chicken:
- 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk (or mixture of 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or oregano)
- Cooking spray
Feel free to customize based on what you have! For instance, you can replace buttermilk with a milk-vinegar mixture for a homemade version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re entirely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
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Mix the Coating: In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Ensure everything is well mixed for an even coating.
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Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and place them on a tray to rest for about 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer Magic: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and give them a light spritz with cooking spray. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Serve It Up: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or a fresh garden salad.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to enjoying Grandma Mae’s air-fried chicken, the possibilities are endless. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sweet corn for a classic Southern feel, or go with a light salad to keep things fresh and healthy. For a twist, try it with a honey mustard dipping sauce or even in a sandwich with crunchy slaw!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, feel free to freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through—this ensures you retain that crispy texture.
Practical Cooking Tips
For the best results, use high-quality chicken pieces—thighs and drumsticks will give you extra juiciness, while wings are perfect for snacking. Be sure to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cooking in batches will help all pieces get that lovely crispiness.
Creative Twists
Love experimenting in the kitchen? Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or using different herbs like rosemary for a unique flavor. You can also try coating the chicken in a gluten-free flour blend or using almond flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The marinating process requires at least 4 hours, but the actual hands-on time is about 30 minutes.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster.
How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?
It’s essential to check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to be safely consumed.
Cooking this air fryer chicken brings joy and comfort in every bite. Adopting Grandma Mae’s recipe will surely turn you into a kitchen superstar! Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious rewards it brings.
Air Fryer Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re entirely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Ensure everything is well mixed for an even coating.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and place them on a tray to rest for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and give them a light spritz with cooking spray.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or a fresh garden salad.
