This KFC air fryer chicken recipe gives you that crispy, seasoned coating and juicy inside without deep frying.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make KFC-style fried chicken in the air fryer, this copycat recipe gets surprisingly close using simple pantry spices and a buttermilk marinade.
It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and way easier (and lighter) than traditional fried chicken.
If you love copycat air fryer recipes, check out this Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken or this Copycat Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn.
What makes this taste like KFC?
The key to that classic KFC flavor is the blend of spices and the double coating technique.
This recipe uses:
- A buttermilk marinade for juicy chicken
- A seasoned flour mixture with paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs
- A double dredge for that signature crispy crust
Combined with air frying, you get a lighter version that still delivers that iconic texture.
Can you really make KFC-style chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! While it won’t be identical to deep-fried chicken, using an air fryer with the right coating and seasoning creates a crispy exterior and juicy interior that’s very close to KFC-style fried chicken.
Ingredients for Copycat Air Fryer KFC Chicken
Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Chicken: This recipe calls for about four pieces of bone-in chicken; you can use either drumsticks or chicken thighs.
Buttermilk: the acidity breaks down the proteins in the chicken, which helps tenderize the meat.
Salt & Pepper: is added for just a little flavor to the marinade.
All Purpose Flour: acts as a binder between the buttermilk marinated chicken and the ingredients in the air fryer breading.
Cornstarch: helps with creating the best crispy skin because it absorbs all of the excess moisture.
Seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, black and white pepper are added to the batter to give it the perfect mixture of smoky, pungent, and savory flavors.
Dried Herbs: thyme and oregano are both added to the mix for an earthy, minty, citrus, and slightly bitter flavor, which pairs well with all the spices.
Optional: you can add in some cayenne pepper if you'd like a little extra spice in your recipe.
Large Eggs: allows the dry seasonings to stick to and bind with the marinated chicken pieces.
Baking Powder: helps with raising the pH of the skin, making the proteins break down, leading to a crunchy, golden brown crust.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: is for keeping the chicken from sticking to the air fryer while cooking.
How to Make KFC Air Fryer Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer.
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper mixture in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight.
- When ready, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, celery salt, black pepper, white pepper, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create the seasoning mixture.
- Dredge the chicken pieces of chicken one at a time into the flour mixture then the eggs, then into the flour mixture one more time. Place the piece of chicken onto a baking sheet or large plate and repeat with the remainder of the chicken. Allow the chicken pieces to rest while you preheat your air fryer to 390F.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking or place a parchment paper piece at the bottom then lay the chicken in a single layer into the air fryer making sure the chicken pieces aren't touching.
- Spray the chicken pieces with a little more cooking spray or brush them with oil to help them brown and crisp up. Air fry for 11 minutes then flip and air fry for another 11 minutes. Check that the internal temperature is 165F with a kitchen thermometer and serve. If it isn't at 165F then air fry for another 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the best KFC Air Fried Chicken
Dry your chicken. My number one tip on making the best fried chicken is to pat it dry. Before you marinade your chicken, pat the chicken dry so that the marinade has a better chance of sticking to your chicken. Just remember, wet doesn't stick on wet.
Check the temp. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your chicken while when it comes out of the air fryer. Make sure that it is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit so that it is safe to eat.
Adjust your air fryer. Some air fryers, just like some ovens, can run a little hot. When you're flipping your chicken, I recommend checking the temperature so that you have an idea of how fast your chicken is cooking. Nothing is worse than burnt fried chicken.
Double dredge for extra crispiness: Coating the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again creates a thicker crust that mimics traditional fried chicken.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Air needs to circulate around each piece to crisp properly. Cook in batches if needed.
Spray generously: A light but even coating of oil spray helps the breading crisp and brown evenly.
Let it rest before cooking: Letting the coated chicken sit for 10–15 minutes helps the coating stick better during cooking.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Recipe
- Quick: other than taking the time to marinate overnight, the air fryer chicken takes less than 30 minutes to cook.
- Easy: using an air fryer makes this recipe incredibly simple, compared to actually frying your chicken. Air frying takes the worry of having to deep fry your chicken in a pot of hot oil.
- Healthy: this recipe is a healthier alternative to eating traditional fried chicken. Eating fried chicken that is cooked in oil adds additional fat and calories that aren't needed to enjoy crispy fried chicken.
- Customizable: you can change this recipe up a bit by adding in your own flavors. I like to add in hot sauce for a spicier flavor.
How to Store leftover Air Fryer Chicken
Store. You can store your KFC leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze. Place your room-temperature chicken into a freezer-safe bag for up to around 6 months.
Reheat. Toss your chicken back into your air fryer or a hot oven. Let it thaw first if frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key spices for that classic KFC-style flavor include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, white pepper, and celery salt. The combination creates that signature savory and slightly peppery taste.
Cornstarch helps absorb moisture and creates a crispier, lighter coating. This is one of the key tricks to getting that fried chicken texture in an air fryer.
This usually happens if there isn’t enough oil spray or if the air fryer is overcrowded. Make sure to spray the chicken evenly and cook in a single layer so hot air can circulate properly.
Air fryer fried chicken is best cooked at 390°F (200°C). This allows the coating to crisp up while the inside cooks through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Most bone-in chicken pieces take about 20–25 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and your air fryer model.
Buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
Yes! You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
KFC Air Fryer Chicken Recipe (Crispy Copycat Style)
Ingredients
Chicken marinade
- 4-6 pieces bone-in chicken pieces such as drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Chicken breading
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika use regular if you don't like smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper mixture in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight.4-6 pieces bone-in chicken pieces, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- When ready beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until well combined.2 large eggs
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, celery salt, black pepper, white pepper, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create the seasoning mixture.3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Dredge the chicken pieces one at a time into the flour mixture then the eggs, then into the flour mixture one more time. Place the pieces of chicken onto a baking sheet or large plate and repeat with the remainder of the chicken. Allow the chicken pieces to rest while you preheat your air fryer to 390F.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking or place a parchment paper piece at the bottom then lay the chicken in a single layer into the air fryer making sure the chicken pieces aren't touching.Cooking spray or oil
- Spray the chicken pieces with a little more cooking spray or brush them with oil to help them brown and crisp up. Air fry for 11 minutes then flip and air fry for another 11 minutes. Check that the internal temperature if 165F with a kitchen thermometer and serve. If it isn't at 165F then air fry for another 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
leave a comment