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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Method
Youssef Hb

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Achieve restaurant-quality crispy fried chicken at home with this healthier air fryer method. By combining buttermilk and a cornstarch-flour coating, this recipe ensures perfectly golden, crunchy skin while keeping the bone-in thighs incredibly moist and tender. It is the ultimate fuss-free comfort food for busy weeknights, delivering that classic fried texture without the mess of deep-frying in oil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Olive oil spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Whisk the buttermilk and egg together in a medium bowl.
  3. Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  4. Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  5. Press the chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  6. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil.
  8. Cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through and lightly spraying the skin again to ensure even crispiness.

Notes

If buttermilk is unavailable, whole yogurt serves as a great substitute. Ensure the chicken skin is dry before starting to improve adhesion. For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.