Introduction
Craving the crispy, flavorful taste of KFC chicken without the deep frying? This Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken recipe delivers a crunchy golden coating, juicy meat, and the famous blend of herbs and spices that make fried chicken so irresistible.
Using an air fryer means less oil, less mess, and a healthier version of a fast-food favorite—all while keeping the delicious crunch everyone loves.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2–4 hours
- Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings
- 4–6 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the KFC-Style Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional
- Cooking oil spray
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
- Buttermilk
- Salt
- Black pepper
Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
This helps make the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a large shallow dish, combine:
- Flour
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Celery salt
- Ground mustard
- Black pepper
- White pepper
- Salt
Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk.
Allow excess marinade to drip off.
Press each piece firmly into the seasoned flour mixture.
For extra crunch:
- Dip coated chicken back into the buttermilk.
- Coat again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to:
- 380°F (193°C)
for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Arrange the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Place chicken pieces in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the basket.
Spray the tops of the chicken generously with cooking oil.
Step 6: Air Fry
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 22–25 minutes.
Halfway through cooking:
- Flip the chicken.
- Spray again lightly with oil.
Continue cooking until:
- Golden brown
- Crispy
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes
- French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Biscuits
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
✔ Double-coat the chicken.
✔ Spray generously with oil before cooking.
✔ Don’t stack chicken pieces.
✔ Cook in batches if necessary.
✔ Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with savory herbs and spices. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fried chicken at home with less oil while still getting that satisfying crunch and flavor everyone loves.
