KFC Air Fryer Chicken Recipe (Crispy Copycat Style)
This KFC air fryer chicken recipe is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor using a buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating with no deep frying needed.
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 42gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 2129mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 712IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 241mgIron: 2mg
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