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–+ servings

Air Fryer Copycat KFC Chicken

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A healthier version of the classic fried chicken, this recipe delivers the iconic flavor and crunch without the guilt of traditional frying.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken drumsticks
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs Can be swapped for breasts or other cuts.
Marinade
  • 1 cup buttermilk For marinating chicken.
Coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for spiciness.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cooking spray or oil Use olive oil or vegetable oil.

Method
 

Marinating
  1. Coat the chicken thoroughly in buttermilk and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Preparing Coating
  1. In a separate bowl, combine flour with all the spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, cayenne, and black pepper.
Coating Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off before dredging each piece in the flour mixture.
  2. For an extra layer of crunch, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat again in the flour.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking.
  2. Lightly spray both the air fryer basket and the chicken with cooking oil.
  3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd.
  4. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
  5. The chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 1g

Notes

For the crispiest finish, ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the air fryer. A light spray of oil enhances the crispiness of the coating. Experiment with spices to suit your taste!
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