Craving that iconic, crispy, juicy chicken you get at KFC? You can now make it at home with less fuss and no deep-frying. This air fryer “KFC-style” chicken recipe is quick, easy, and fun. Plus, it’s healthier without sacrificing flavor or crunch. You’ll love how the tender chicken stays moist inside while the coating turns golden and crisp.
This recipe uses simple spices and pantry staples. You’ll mix a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a hint of herbs. Then you’ll coat the chicken in seasoned flour and a touch of buttermilk (or milk). The air fryer works its magic with hot circulating air, giving you that classic crust with far less oil. And cleanup? A breeze.
In just a few steps, you’ll have mouthwatering pieces that rival your favorite fast-food version. It’s family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or even game-day snacks. Plus, everyone can help with dredging and patting the coating. Ready for crunch, flavor, and comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs, bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with ½ tbsp vinegar)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Directions (detailed)
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Pour buttermilk into a bowl. If using milk and vinegar, mix and let sit 5 minutes to curdle.
- In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
- Press the flour onto the chicken to stick well. Shake off excess.
- Place on a rack while you finish coating all pieces.
- Preheat air fryer to 200 °C (around 400 °F).
- Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer, not touching.
- Air-fry for about 10 minutes, then flip pieces, spray lightly again.
- Continue cooking for another 8–12 minutes until golden brown and internal temp is 75 °C (165 °F).
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
. How to Prepare (detailed)
- Dry the chicken well: Moisture prevents coating from sticking, so pat dry.
- Buttermilk soak: If you skip buttermilk, use milk plus vinegar to mimic tang and tenderness.
- Seasoned flour: Mix herbs and spices evenly so flavor is consistent.
- Firm dredge: Press flour into the chicken so it clings—even after flipping in the air fryer.
- Hot air circulation: Don’t overcrowd. Allow air to circulate for crispiness.
- Mid-cook spray: A light spritz or brush helps the outer layer turn golden and crunchy.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer. You want 75 °C (165 °F) at the thickest part.
- Rest time: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes. Juices redistribute, keeping meat moist.
. Preparation Time (detailed)
- Prep time: 15 minutes for measuring, mixing, dredging.
- Rest (optional but helpful): 5 minutes if using homemade buttermilk or resting coated chicken.
- Cook time: 18–22 minutes in the air fryer (depending on piece size and air fryer model).
- Total time: Approximately 35–40 minutes from start to finish.
Servings
This recipe makes 4 servings, one chicken piece per person. You can easily scale up or down—just adjust ingredients and ensure pieces fit in a single air-fryer layer.
FAQs
Q3: Can I freeze the chicken?
A3: Yes. Freeze in a single layer until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Re-air-fry from frozen for 5–8 extra minutes.
Q4: What side dishes go well?
A4: Try coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or green beans for a complete meal.
Q5: How do I make the coating extra spicy?
A5: Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper or ground chili to the flour mix for heat.
Conclusion (approx. 200 words)
This Quick & Easy Homemade Air Fryer “KFC-Style” Chicken recipe brings crunch, flavor, and comfort to your table with minimal effort. You get that nostalgic, juicy chicken taste—minus the deep-frying and extra oil. In under 40 minutes, you’ll transform simple pantry ingredients into a golden, savory delight that’ll please both kids and adults.
Using the air fryer not only cuts fat, but also speeds cooking. The seasoned flour coating crisps up beautifully, locking moisture inside while giving you that satisfying crunch. The seasoning blend is flexible: keep it simple, or toss in extra herbs, heat, or spices to suit your mood.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this recipe fits the bill. It’s easy to scale up for more people or keep lean and simple. Don’t forget to let it rest so the juices settle—then dig in and enjoy that homemade comfort at its crispiest. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
