Craving the delicious taste of KFC’s famous fried chicken, but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? Look no further than this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe, the ultimate KFC copycat recipe! With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy meat that KFC is known for. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking your very own KFC-inspired fried chicken in the air fryer, so you can enjoy this classic dish anytime you want.
Introduction to Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Who doesn’t love fried chicken? It’s crispy, juicy, and oh so delicious. But let’s face it – it’s not the healthiest option out there. Enter the air fryer! With this kitchen gadget, you can enjoy all the flavor and texture of fried chicken with a fraction of the oil and calories. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the ultimate KFC copycat fried chicken recipe using your trusty air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. You can use any cut you prefer – thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or wings.
Breading
To create that signature crispy coating, you’ll need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can use regular all-purpose flour or switch it up with cornmeal or seasoned flour. For the breadcrumbs, we recommend panko for extra crunch.
Seasoning
No fried chicken is complete without a blend of herbs and spices. You can use any seasoning mix you like, but some common ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
How to Prepare the Chicken
Cleaning the Chicken
Before you start cooking, make sure to clean the chicken thoroughly. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Trimming the Chicken
To ensure even cooking, trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces.
Cutting the Chicken
If you’re using larger pieces like breasts, you may want to cut them in half to speed up the cooking process and ensure they cook evenly.
Breading and Seasoning Techniques
Flour Breading
Start by coating the chicken in seasoned flour. Dip each piece into a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasonings. Make sure the chicken is fully coated and shake off any excess flour.
Egg Wash Breading
Next, dunk the chicken into a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
Panko Breading
Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere.
Marination Techniques
For an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for a few hours before breading and cooking.
Now that you know the ingredients and breading techniques, it’s time to fire up your air fryer and get cooking! Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of air fryer fried chicken without the guilt.
Best Sides to Serve with Fried Chicken
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Fried Chicken
Drinks to Pair with Fried Chicken
Conclusion
Potential Health Benefits of Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Cooking Your Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food enjoyed by many. However, the traditional deep frying method can be intimidating and unhealthy. Enter the air fryer, a convenient and healthy alternative that uses hot air to crisp up your favorite foods. Here’s how to cook your fried chicken in the air fryer.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for five minutes. This allows the air fryer to reach an optimal temperature and ensures that your chicken will cook evenly.
Spraying the Chicken with Cooking Oil
Spray your chicken thoroughly with cooking oil. This helps to create a crispy crust and prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Placing the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Place your chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket as this can cause uneven cooking.
Air Fryer Settings and Timing
Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Adjust the cooking time if your chicken is particularly thick or thin.
Tips for Achieving the Perfectly Crispy & Juicy Fried Chicken
Achieving crispy and juicy fried chicken can be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken from the comfort of your own home.
Tricks for Crispy Coating
To achieve a crispy coating, use a mixture of flour and spices, and dip the chicken in egg before rolling it in the flour mixture. For extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken in flour and spices before cooking.
Ways to Keep the Chicken Juicy
To keep your chicken juicy, brine it for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Alternatively, you can marinate your chicken in buttermilk for several hours before cooking.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Avoid overcooking your chicken by keeping an eye on the internal temperature. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking and lead to soggy chicken. Finally, do not stack chicken pieces on top of each other as this will cause the coating to stick together and prevent even cooking.
Serving & Enjoying Your KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Now that your air fryer fried chicken is ready, it’s time to enjoy it with your favorite sides and drinks.
Best Sides to Serve with Fried Chicken
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw pair well with fried chicken. Corn on the cob, green beans, and sweet cornbread also make great additions to your meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Fried Chicken
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer for three to five minutes at 375°F. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Drinks to Pair with Fried Chicken
Pair your fried chicken with refreshing and flavorful drinks like sweet tea, lemonade, or sparkling water. For an adult twist, try pairing it with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.
Conclusion
Air fryer fried chicken is a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional fried chicken. In addition to being delicious, air-fried chicken is also lower in calories and fat than its deep-fried counterpart.
Potential Health Benefits of Air Fryer Fried Chicken
By using an air fryer to cook your chicken, you reduce your intake of unhealthy oils and fats. Because air fryers use hot air instead of oil to cook food, they are a healthier option than traditional fryers.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re a fan of fried chicken, air fryer fried chicken is a must-try. With a little bit of practice and these tips, you can achieve crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant. So go ahead and indulge in this classic comfort food without the guilt or hassle of deep frying.Now that you have mastered this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe, you can enjoy the taste of KFC from the comfort of your own home! With a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, this chicken will be a hit with your family and friends. So, take a bite and savor the delicious flavor of this classic dish that has been made in the air fryer. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What is an air fryer and how does it work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It works by circulating hot air around the food to cook it, which is similar to how a convection oven works. The hot air cooks the food and creates a crispy exterior, similar to deep-frying, but with much less oil.
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of chicken for this recipe. Whether you prefer boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, the process for preparing and cooking the chicken in the air fryer will be the same. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of the chicken pieces you are using.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
While this recipe is specifically designed for cooking in an air fryer, you could try using an oven with a convection setting if you don’t have an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted, so keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
What sides go well with air fryer fried chicken?
Air fryer fried chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also try serving it with some dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
