Here’s a KFC-style crispy chicken made in the air fryer—no deep frying, but still crunchy 🍗
Air Fryer “KFC-Style” Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
Other
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate chicken
- Mix buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight best).
- Prepare coating
- Combine all breading ingredients in a bowl.
- Coat chicken
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off.
- Dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing coating on well.
- For extra crunch: dip back into buttermilk, then flour again.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air fry
- Spray basket with oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Spray chicken generously with oil.
- Cook 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway and re-spraying lightly.
- Finish crisping
- Increase to 400°F (205°C) for the last 3–5 minutes if needed.
Doneness Guide
- Internal temp: 165°F (74°C)
- Juices run clear, coating golden and crisp
Pro Tips (Very KFC-like)
- Use white pepper—it’s key to the KFC flavor.
- Don’t skip oil spray; flour needs fat to crisp.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
Want the exact KFC 11-herb style seasoning, boneless tenders, or a spicy version?
