Air Fryer Buttermilk “Fried” Chicken

We’re so obsessed with fried chicken. It’s one of our favorite foods, ever. But eating deep fried foods isn’t always ideal so that’s why this air fryer fired chicken recipe is ideal! Air fryer technology has come to the rescue. Air frying fried chicken is fantastic and give a very similar crispy crunch sensation as deep fried, but without all the calories! It’s not “exactly” like deep fried chicken but the air fried chicken comes really darn close. After you master the air fried technique, there’s no turning back to greasy deep fried foods. Best of all, clean up is amazing!

Video: Crispy Air Fried Buttermilk Fried Chicken

How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Chicken

“Healthy” fried chicken is a relative term because so there’s factors that can make it “un-healthy”. We’re saying it’s healthier than deep fried chicken. So if you compare deep fried chicken in greasy oil vs air frying, there is definitely a significant calorie factor. So air fryer fried chicken is definitely a healthier version when compared to deep fried in oil.

• Dredge the chicken in less flour so there’s less calories from flour.
• Use skinless chicken. Removing the skin will definite make this lighter on calories. If you remove the skin and use boneless chicken, the chicken will cook a little quicker.
• Cook with boneless skinless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are less fatty than chicken thighs. But breasts can also be drier. So we suggest slicing the breasts thinner so they can cook quicker and dry out less in the air fryer. Cooking time will definitely change so make some adjustments based on the recipe below.
• Eat based on a reasonable serving size. Portion control is crucial to enjoying fried chicken in a “healthier” way.

With so many different types, models and styles of air fryers out there on the market, cooking times will vary so much. Please keep in mind that your results will vary based on the size, thickness and type of chicken you use. We give a time range but that will vary for every model of air fryer.

• Start with our base and make adjustments as needed. After you make your first batch, you’ll know more of what the best time and temp will be for all the different factors.
• NOT ALL PIECES ARE THE SAME SIZE & THICKNESS! Is your chicken too thick? If so, make sure to add some extra time during cooking. Is your chicken smaller? Then you might need to cook it for a little less than our recommended time. Our results are based on bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.
• Use an oil spray to liberally oil the flour coating. If the flour coating doesn’t have any oil on it, the coating will cook dry and hard. It won’t be crispy or crunchy. It’ll be… dry… and hard.
• If needed when you flip, add an additional light spray of oil to ensure the crust cooking crispy and delicious.
• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Give space between the chicken so air can flow through and cook all sides of each chicken piece crispy.
• SILICONE LINERS: If you use silicone liners or silicone bowls, the chicken will take a little longer to cook. Silicone does not conduct heat, so the the sides of the chicken that are touching the liners will be more raw. You’ll have to flip more often or cook a little longer. But silicone liners definitely make cleanup easier!
• Use your favorite seasonings! Once you get all the basic concepts down and making a successful batch, have fun with different seasonings to customize your air fryer fried chicken!
• Is your air fryer smoking? Here’s some awesome tips: Why is smoke coming out of my air fryer?

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air fryer Doritos crusted chicken strips
• Crispy air fryer chicken tenders. Kids LOVE these.
• Yes you can make air fryer steak!
• More Air Fryer Recipes Here.

FRUSTRATED WITH STUCK FOOD? USE NON-STICK SILICONE LINERS