Fried chicken in the air fryer is a game-changer, offering a deliciously crispy exterior without the mess and oil splatters associated with traditional deep frying.
Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy the same crunchy, golden-brown texture with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
One secret ingredient takes the crispiness to a whole new level: baking powder. It’s a surprising addition.
that helps achieve that perfectly crisp crust, while the air fryer works its magic to cook the chicken to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
For this air fryer fried chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients
I put baking powder on after all the other ingredients. At 400 F skin side down first for 19 min then skin side up for 10 min. These are chicken thighs
Instructions
To begin, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and baking powder adhere better to the skin, ensuring a crispier result.
In a separate bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and white pepper. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Next, sprinkle the chicken with the dry seasoning mixture, making sure every part of the chicken is coated evenly.
Once seasoned, add the baking powder to the chicken, dusting it over the skin. The baking powder is the key to getting that crunchy, golden texture on the outside.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Once heated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the skin side down.
This allows the skin to start crisping up first. Set the timer for 19 minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly and crisps up nicely.
After 19 minutes, flip the chicken so that the skin side is facing up. This will help the skin become even crispier and allow.
the heat to cook the other side. Set the air fryer for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute inside.
the chicken, keeping it moist and tender. Serve the crispy, golden-brown chicken and enjoy!
How to Make
Making air fryer fried chicken is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep. Start by seasoning the chicken with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, oregano, and white pepper
. Pat the chicken dry to help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the chicken generously with the seasoning and dust it with a little baking powder. This mixture will give the chicken a crisp coating when it’s air fried.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for best results. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the skin side down.
The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the chicken, creating a crispy exterior while locking in moisture.
After 19 minutes, flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up and cook for another 10 minutes.
Once it’s golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy your crispy fried chicken.
Variations
To make this fried chicken recipe your own, feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends. You can swap out the oregano for thyme, add cayenne.
pepper for a spicy kick, or incorporate some lemon zest for a citrusy twist. For a different texture.
you could try adding a coating of breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or use a combination of flour and cornmeal for a more traditional fried chicken feel.
For those who love a smoky flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke.
You can also make this recipe with chicken wings, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces to ensure they cook through properly.
Tips
To make your air fryer fried chicken even crispier, make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. This removes any excess moisture.
Allowing the coating to stick better. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the chicken pieces are too close together, they won’t cook evenly and may not crisp up as well.
You can also coat the chicken with a little bit of oil spray before cooking. This adds an extra layer of crispiness and helps the chicken brown nicely
. If you’re using a different cut of chicken, such as breasts or wings, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through completely.
Conclusion
Air fryer fried chicken is an easy and healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without all the extra oil.
The addition of baking powder takes the crispiness to a whole new level, while the air fryer ensures that each piece is cooked to juicy perfection.
With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious, golden-brown fried chicken dinner that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving comfort food, and you may never go back to traditional deep-fried chicken!