Here’s a crispy Air Fryer KFC-style chicken recipe that gives you that crunchy, flavorful coating without deep frying:
Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts) – 1 kg (skin-on for best crunch)
Buttermilk – 2 cups (or 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 10 mins)
Salt – 1 tsp
Hot sauce (optional) – 1 tbsp
Coating (KFC-style seasoning):
All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Cornstarch – ½ cup (extra crunch)
Paprika – 1 tbsp
Garlic powder – 2 tsp
Onion powder – 2 tsp
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Dried basil – 1 tsp
White pepper – 1 tsp
Black pepper – 1 tsp
Mustard powder – ½ tsp
Celery salt – ½ tsp
Cayenne pepper – ½ tsp (optional for heat)
Salt – 2 tsp
Cooking spray or oil – for coating
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
Mix buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce (if using).
Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Prepare the coating
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all seasoning spices.
Coat the chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off.
Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken so it sticks.
For extra crispy chicken: dip coated chicken back in buttermilk, then again in flour mixture (double coating).
Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 180°C / 360°F for 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Place chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Spray the tops of chicken generously with oil.
Cook 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temp is 75°C / 165°F.
Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes for juices to settle.
Enjoy with coleslaw, fries, or a buttery biscuit
