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–+ servings

Air Fryer Chicken

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A healthier take on fried chicken, this air-fried recipe from Grandma Mae is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1.5 cups buttermilk (or mixture of milk and vinegar/lemon juice) You can use a milk-vinegar mixture as a substitute for buttermilk.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Add for extra heat, if desired.
Coating
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups 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)
Miscellaneous
  • cooking spray Cooking spray For greasing the air fryer basket.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. 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).
Serving
  1. 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

To store leftovers, keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to retain crispiness. Use high-quality chicken pieces for best results and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
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