Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken, you may be wondering if you can achieve the same delicious results using an air fryer. The answer is yes! While traditional fried chicken is typically deep-fried in a large amount of oil, making it a less healthy option, air frying offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
Using an air fryer, you can make buttermilk fried chicken that is just as crispy on the outside and tender on the inside as the traditional version. The process involves marinating the chicken in a tangy buttermilk mixture, coating it in a seasoned flour mixture, and then using the air fryer to cook it to perfection. The result is a guilt-free, healthier version of your favorite comfort food.
Not only is air-fried buttermilk fried chicken healthier, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With the air fryer’s quick cooking time, you’ll have a batch of delicious fried chicken ready in no time. Plus, you’ll save yourself the hassle of dealing with a large pot of hot oil and the associated mess and cleanup.
So, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken without compromising on taste, give buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer a try. You won’t be disappointed with the crispy, flavorful results that you can achieve with this convenient kitchen appliance.
How to Cook Buttermilk Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
Buttermilk fried chicken is a classic dish that is loved by many. Traditionally, it is fried in oil to achieve a crispy and golden exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. However, with the invention of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy the deliciousness of buttermilk fried chicken with less oil and a healthier cooking method.
Ingredients:
To make buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks or thighs to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will serve as the coating for the chicken.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and one by one, coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess.
6. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
7. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is crispy and golden, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve the buttermilk fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Pro tip: For an extra crispy coating, you can spray the chicken with cooking oil before placing it in the air fryer.
Enjoy your homemade buttermilk fried chicken cooked to perfection in an air fryer. It’s a healthier twist on a beloved classic!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can make buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, wings, or boneless chicken breasts)
– Buttermilk
– All-purpose flour
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Paprika
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Cayenne pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)
– Cooking oil spray
Make sure your chicken is properly thawed if you’re using frozen chicken. Additionally, make sure you have enough buttermilk and flour to coat all the chicken pieces.
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, you’ll be ready to start preparing your buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer!
Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk
To create the juiciest and most flavorful fried chicken, it’s important to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Here’s how to marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or container.
- Pour enough buttermilk over the chicken to completely cover it. Make sure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the buttermilk.
- Season the buttermilk with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. You can also add other spices, herbs, or marinades to enhance the flavor.
- Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
During the marination process, the buttermilk will work its magic and tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor. This step is crucial for achieving moist, succulent fried chicken.
Once the chicken has marinated for the desired amount of time, it’s ready to be coated and air-fried to golden perfection!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
To make the perfect crispy coating for your air fryer buttermilk fried chicken, you’ll need a blend of spices and flour. Here’s how to prepare the coating mixture:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for some added heat)
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Using a fork or whisk, stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly blended.
- Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the coating mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Press the coating gently onto the chicken to help it adhere.
Note: For extra crispy chicken, you can repeat the coating process a second time. Simply dip the coated chicken back into the coating mixture and coat it again.
Coat the Chicken with the Mixture
Once you have marinated the chicken in the buttermilk and seasoning mixture, it’s time to coat it with a crispy breading. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the fried chicken.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other spices or herbs you like. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.
Step 1: Dredge the Chicken
First, take a piece of marinated chicken and shake off any excess buttermilk. Then, dip the chicken into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken.
Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Shake off the Excess Flour
After coating each piece of chicken, shake off any excess flour to avoid a thick, clumpy layer on the chicken and in the air fryer.
Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker coating, you can repeat the dipping and breading process for a second layer of crunch.
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, you’re ready to air fry them to perfection.
Preheat and Set up Your Air Fryer
Before you start making buttermilk fried chicken in your air fryer, you need to preheat and set up the machine properly. Follow these simple steps:
- Plug in your air fryer and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Make sure there is enough space around the fryer for proper air circulation.
- Preheat your air fryer by setting the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allowing it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, gather all the ingredients and equipment you will need to make the buttermilk fried chicken.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, you can either lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil onto the basket to prevent sticking. This step may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, so be sure to consult the user manual for specific instructions.
With the air fryer preheated and set up, you are now ready to start preparing the buttermilk fried chicken for cooking.
Cook the Buttermilk Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a great option for cooking buttermilk fried chicken. It allows you to achieve a crispy and golden texture without the need for deep frying in oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect buttermilk fried chicken using an air fryer.
1. Marinate the chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can add spices and herbs to the buttermilk for extra flavor, such as garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices. This will be the coating for the chicken. You can also add breadcrumbs or cornmeal for added crunch. Set aside.
3. Coat the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
4. Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
5. Cook the chicken:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the buttermilk fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Q&A
Can I make buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer! It will result in crispy and delicious chicken with less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
What is the advantage of using an air fryer to make buttermilk fried chicken?
The main advantage of using an air fryer is that it requires less oil to achieve crispy results. Air frying also reduces the amount of mess and cleanup compared to traditional frying.
Do I need to marinate the chicken in buttermilk before air frying?
Yes, it is recommended to marinate the chicken in buttermilk before air frying. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. It is best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to overnight for maximum flavor.
What temperature and time should I set the air fryer to when making buttermilk fried chicken?
The recommended temperature for air frying buttermilk fried chicken is 400°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces, but a general guideline is to cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use different seasonings and spices when making buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your buttermilk fried chicken. You can add herbs, spices, or even a touch of heat with cayenne pepper if you like.
