Introduction

Air-fried chicken offers a deliciously crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. This healthier alternative to traditional frying uses less oil while still delivering that satisfying crunch every home cook will love.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
1 tablespoon seasoning (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Lightly coat the chicken with oil to help crisping. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Step 3: Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for a few hours before air-frying.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
Try different seasoning blends like Cajun or lemon herb for varied tastes.

Storage

Store leftover air-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 5-8 minutes and ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is air-fried chicken healthier than deep-fried chicken?

Air-fried chicken uses significantly less oil while still providing a crispy texture, making it a lighter and healthier option compared to deep-frying.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken pieces seasoned to perfection and cooked using an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)

Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Other

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, evenly coat the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning well into the chicken to ensure a flavorful crust after cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and to help achieve a crispy texture.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time for even crisping and browning.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken with a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs before air-frying.
Adjust seasoning quantities to your preference for spiciness or flavor intensity.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
If using different chicken cuts, adjust cooking times accordingly.
Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Keywords: air-fried chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, air fryer recipe, easy chicken recipe