Air Fryer Fried Chicken (KFC Style!)

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Directions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3–5 minutes so it’s hot and ready.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Turn the chicken to coat evenly, then let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to build flavor and tenderness.
  3. In a separate wide bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly mixed. The cornstarch is key for extra crispiness.
  4. Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat it thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
  5. Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
  6. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to help the coating crisp and brown evenly.
  7. Air fry for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Spray the tops again with cooking spray.
  8. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). The coating should feel crisp and firm to the touch.
  9. Remove the cooked chicken and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Repeat the process with remaining pieces, avoiding overcrowding the air fryer.
  10. Serve hot while the coating is at its crispiest and the chicken is juicy inside.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

For a spicy version, add 1–2 g (1/4–1/2 teaspoon) cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used for faster cooking; reduce the cooking time slightly and check doneness early. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works well, though the smoky flavor will be milder. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

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