Buttermilk Fried Chicken in the air fryer is golden, delicious, and super crisp. It is soaked in buttermilk for the authentic southern flavors.
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Crispy buttermilk fried chicken is one of the yummies street foods. Now it's coming with a guilt-free version in the air fryer. Indeed air fryer has made our lives easier. I am simply hooked to my air fryer especially when it comes to chicken.
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Ingredients
Chicken - Use skinless Chicken thighs. Alternatively, you may use any chicken pieces however the cooking time may vary.
Buttermilk - This tenderizes the chicken and makes sure the chicken is cooked juicy and soft.
Flour - This gives a beautiful texture to the fried chicken. In case you don't want to use all-purpose flour you may use wheat flour or almond flour.
Spice powders - Use your favorite spice powders to flavor up the chicken. I am using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, and pepper powder along with dried herbs.
FAQ's
How do you tell if fried chicken is done without a thermometer?
Try pricking a part of the chicken with a fork or knife. It should pieces easily and break without any difficulty. Also, there will not be any pink traces in the cooked chicken. Chicken is all white inside once they are cooked.
How do I make buttermilk fried chicken on the stovetop?
If you do not own a ai fryer. You can make them on the stovetop or in the oven. If cooking in the oven you may have to bake the flour-drenched chicken at 200 C / 390 F for at least 35-40 mins. On the stovetop, you may have to deep fry them until they are golden crisp and cooked.
How to make Buttermilk Fried Chicken
1. Clean the chicken pieces and wipe with paper towels to remove the excess moisture. Draw slits all over the chicken. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 mins.
2. In a bowl add All-purpose flour.
3. Along with the flour add garlic powder, Onion powder, Paprika powder, Pepper powder, dried herbs, and the required salt.
4. Combine everything. To this add 3 tbsp of buttermilk and mix.
5. The flour mixture will now have some clumps and this gives a great texture to the chicken.
6. Take the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure it coats all over the chicken completely. You can also stuff inside the slits.
7. Now Preheat the air fryer to 392 F/200 °C for 5 mins. Spray Cooking oil or brush in oil to the air fryer basket. Place the flour-coated chicken pieces on the air fryer basket. Spray oil on the chicken. Make sure the chicken is not touching each other.
8. Air Fry the Chicken at 356 F / 180 °C for 20 -22 mins. Flip the chicken once halfway and brush in some oil.
9. The cooking time may vary if you use smaller chicken pieces hence adjust accordingly. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken is now ready.
Tips & Tricks
- Always keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the temperature and for different brands of the air fryer.
- So it's advisable to adjust and understand your air fryer. After making your first batch you will sure know how to set time and adjust for the best results.
- Spray in cooking oil or brush with oil in the air fryer basket and chicken as needed.
- Never overcrowd the basket. Always leave space and make sure one piece does not touch the other. Cook in batches as required.
- You may use your favorite seasonings and spice powders as needed for different flavors.
- Brush or spray oil over the flour-coated chicken. Else the chicken will get cooked dry.
- Use skinless chicken for best results.
Serving Suggestions:
In restaurants, they serve Fried Chicken with Ketchup and with Mayonnaise. You can serve them with both or any one of the above with some pickled onions, Lemon wedges too.
Storage Options
Store the leftover fried chicken in zip lock bags or in air-tight containers. They stay for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the stovetop or microwave or in the air fryer at 180 deg C for 2 mins and then serve.
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📖 Recipe
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Air Fryer
Standard 1 cup measures 240 ml
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken thighs
- ¾ cup Buttermilk for soaking
- 1 cup Flour
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp Black Pepper powder
- 1 tsp Paprika Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp dried herbs
- Oil as needed for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Clean the chicken pieces and wipe with paper towels to remove the excess moisture. Draw slits all over the chicken. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 mins.
- In a bowl add All-purpose flour.
- Along with the flour add garlic powder, Onion powder, Paprika powder, Pepper powder, dried herbs, and the required salt. Combine everything.
- To this add 3 tbsp of buttermilk and mix. The flour mixture will now have some clumps and this gives a great texture to the chicken.
- Take the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure it coats all over the chicken completely. You can also stuff inside the slits.
- Now Preheat the air fryer to 392 F/200 °C for 5 mins. Spray Cooking oil or brush in oil to the air fryer basket. Place the flour-coated chicken pieces on the air fryer basket. Spray oil on the chicken. Make sure the chicken is not touching each other.
- Air Fry the Chicken at 356 F / 180 °C for 20 -22 mins. Flip the chicken once halfway and brush in some oil. The cooking time may vary if you use smaller chicken pieces hence adjust accordingly. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
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