Crispy Air Fryer Golden Chicken Delight is a tasty and healthier version of fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, or a mix of both)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double dip the chicken: after the first coating of flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then coat it again in the flour mixture.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to your taste, adding more spices if desired.
Enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Golden Chicken Delight!
