KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer

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This recipe recreates the famous KFC crunch using an air fryer. The chicken is marinated, coated in seasoned flour, and air‑fried to golden perfection. You get all the flavor and crispiness without the heavy oil.

Explanation

The secret lies in a buttermilk soak (for tenderness) and a spiced flour coating (for flavor and crunch). The air fryer circulates hot air to crisp the coating evenly, giving you that fried‑chicken texture with less fat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25–30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4–6 chicken drumsticks or thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinade)
  • 1 cup all‑purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch (extra crispiness)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
  2. Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a bowl.
  3. Dredge: Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in flour mixture. Shake off excess.
  4. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray basket with oil. Place chicken pieces in a single layer.
  5. Cook: Air fry 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve: Enjoy hot with dipping sauces or coleslaw.

Tips

  • Double‑coat chicken (dip back into buttermilk, then flour again) for extra crunch.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for even crisping.
  • Spray lightly with oil before cooking to mimic deep‑fried texture.

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