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Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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A healthier take on classic fried chicken, this air fryer recipe combines ease of preparation with incredible taste, making it perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 1 pound boneless chicken tenders or thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with lemon juice is a great hack.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray For a lighter finish.
For the seasoning
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
  2. While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes to preheat.
Cooking
  1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
  2. Lightly brush or spray the chicken with olive oil for a golden finish.
  3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between pieces, and fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. For extra crunch, spray a bit of oil again when flipping.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 400mgFiber: 1g

Notes

Serve with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.
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