Air Fryer KFC-Style Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

There are few things more comforting than biting into golden, crispy fried chicken that tastes just like your favorite takeout. Growing up, KFC nights were a special treat in my family, but as I’ve become more mindful of how I cook at home, I started searching for a healthier, lighter version. That’s when I discovered the magic of the air fryer.

With the Air Fryer KFC-Style Fried Chicken recipe, you can enjoy that same irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness — without all the heavy oil. It’s a homemade comfort food experience that feels nostalgic yet guilt-free. This isn’t just another fried chicken recipe; it’s a healthier, easier way to bring those KFC flavors right into your kitchen.

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What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• ✅ Crispy coating without deep frying
• ✅ Juicy, tender meat inside
• ✅ Signature KFC-inspired seasoning mix
• ✅ Less mess and healthier than traditional frying
• ✅ Ready in under 40 minutes

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Personal Blogger Note

I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time I tried making “fried” chicken in the air fryer. Could it really taste anything like the crispy, flavorful chicken we grew up loving? To my surprise, the first bite took me straight back to those family dinners — crunchy on the outside, juicy in the middle, with that perfectly spiced flavor. The best part? My kitchen didn’t smell like oil for days, and cleanup was a breeze.

If you’ve ever wanted homemade fried chicken without the mess or calories of deep frying, this recipe is going to change your weeknight dinners forever.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating that crispy coating with minimal oil.
• Mixing Bowls: For dredging stations (flour mix, egg wash, seasoned breadcrumbs).
• Tongs: To safely flip the chicken without losing the crust.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F/74°C internal temp).
• Cooking Spray: Helps the coating crisp up evenly in the air fryer.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts — bone-in for juicier results)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Olive oil spray

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Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight. This step tenderizes the meat and locks in moisture.

2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This blend mimics that signature KFC spice mix.

3. Set Up Dredging Stations

In one bowl, whisk together the egg with a splash of buttermilk. Keep the seasoned flour in another bowl.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Dip each piece in the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture. Press lightly to help the coating stick.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes.

6. Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray both the basket and the chicken pieces with olive oil spray. Arrange chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

7. Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer — internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

8. Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

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Health & Nutrition Insights

Traditional fried chicken is delicious but often heavy due to deep frying. The air fryer cuts oil use by up to 75%, making this recipe a lighter alternative. You’ll still get that crispy crunch thanks to hot circulating air, but without the greasy aftertaste.

• Calories: About 290 per piece (drumstick)
• Protein: High in lean protein for satiety
• Fat: Reduced compared to deep-fried chicken
• Carbs: Minimal, depending on coating choice

For a low-carb twist, swap flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

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Serving + Pairing Ideas

• Classic: Coleslaw, biscuits, and mashed potatoes
• Lighter: Green salad, air fryer veggies, or zucchini fries
• Fun: Serve in a basket with pickles and dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead, then pack with a salad for quick lunches.

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FAQ

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work, though bone-in stays juicier.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Definitely — preheating ensures the chicken gets crispy from the start.

3. Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?
You can, but the marinade makes the meat tender and flavorful, so it’s highly recommended.

4. What if I don’t have olive oil spray?
Use any neutral cooking spray, or lightly brush oil on the chicken.

5. How do I make it extra crispy?
Double-dip the chicken (flour → egg → flour again) and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

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Nutrition Breakdown (per serving — 1 drumstick)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 10g
• Net Carbs: 9g

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinade)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Servings: 6 pieces
• Calories per serving: 290