This Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken gives you crispy, golden fried chicken without using a deep fryer. The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture with classic herbs and spices, then air fried until crunchy outside and juicy inside.
The secret to great flavour is marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices. This makes the meat tender and helps the coating stick better. The air fryer creates a crispy texture while using much less oil than traditional frying.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend comfort food. Serve it with fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or soft buns for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks or thighs, skin on)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully covered.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is better for more flavour).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and chili powder.
Stir well so the spices are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk.
Let extra liquid drip off.
Place it in the flour mixture and coat well on all sides.
Press the flour onto the chicken to help it stick.
Repeat with all chicken pieces.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Place chicken pieces in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Spray the top of the chicken lightly with oil spray.
Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spray again lightly after flipping.
The chicken is ready when:
- The outside is golden brown and crispy
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Cook in batches if needed.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavour.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or the chicken won’t get crispy.
- Always spray lightly with oil to help browning.
- If coating looks dry halfway through cooking, spray lightly again.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in air fryer for best crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without deep frying
- Less oil, less mess
- Big flavour from simple spices
- Perfect for family meals
Air Fryer KFC-Style Fried Chicken
Description
Crispy air fryer fried chicken with classic KFC-style seasoning. Golden outside, juicy inside, and made with less oil.
Duration
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Mix buttermilk and spices. Marinate chicken 2 hours or overnight.
- Mix flour and seasoning in a bowl.
- Coat chicken in flour mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Spray basket, place chicken in single layer.
- Spray lightly and cook 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 minutes and serve hot.
