Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air fryer fried chicken is a crunchy, tender, and flavorful delight that you can enjoy any time without the guilt of frying. The magic lies not only in how simple it is to prepare but also in the way it delivers that crispy texture you crave. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn basic chicken legs into a finger-licking meal that outshines store-bought or restaurant versions. Plus, it’s far better for you, creating a perfectly crispy exterior without the excess oil.
I still remember the first time I made fried chicken in my air fryer—it was a weeknight craving that transformed into an easy family favorite. With friends or family gathered around the table, the warm aroma of seasoned chicken fills the room, and I can’t help but smile at the joyful faces around me. This air fryer fried chicken recipe is not just about feeding stomachs; it’s about creating moments and memories over good food. Trust me; you’ll want to make this again and again!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 39 minutes, with only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main course for dinner, a party snack, or even brunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 medium chicken legs: The star of the dish! Ensure they are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- 4 tbsp olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick and contributes to that delicious crispy texture. Feel free to substitute with canola or avocado oil.
- 2 tbsp seasoned salt: A blend of spices that enhances the chicken’s flavor. You can also use your favorite spice blend to give it a personal touch.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base coating for that crunchy exterior. Alternatively, you can use a bag of seasoned chicken breading or a Shake n Bake mix for convenience.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a delightful garlicky flavor to the chicken coating.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth to the seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by drying the chicken legs with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture. In a large bowl, pour 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken legs, rubbing them well until fully coated. Don’t skip the preheating; do this for about 5 minutes at 375°F.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle seasoned salt all over each drumstick. For added flavor, mix 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder in a separate bag. Place three chicken legs inside the bag and shake until they are well coated.
- Prep the Air Fryer: After the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the inside of the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken legs in the basket with the meatiest side facing down—aim for a single layer for even cooking.
- Cooking Time: Close the lid and set the timer to 24 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer, flip the legs over, and spray the tops with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness. Continue cooking for another 12 minutes.
- Final Touches: If you like your chicken extra crispy, give it an additional 2 minutes in the fryer after the timer goes off. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F before serving.
- Time to Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the basket and dig in—don’t forget to save room for seconds!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken legs at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag where they can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. Note that reheating may slightly alter the texture, but a quick spritz of oil can help refresh that crunch.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid soggy chicken: Make sure the chicken legs are dry and adequately coated with flour and oil for that crunch.
- Cook in batches: If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure the pieces aren’t crowded, promoting even cooking.
- Ensure even seasoning: After coating, gently tap off excess flour to allow for an even crisp.
- Check the temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked through.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with seasonings—paprika or cayenne can add an exciting kick!
Air fryer fried chicken comes together beautifully, offering a delightful option for anyone looking to enjoy this classic dish with a modern twist. It’s easy, quick, and laden with flavor—perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and I can guarantee that this recipe will become a family favorite!
Recipe FAQs
How do I get my air fryer fried chicken extra crispy?
To achieve that extra crunch, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Additionally, using a light coating of cooking spray on top of the flour can help create a beautiful golden crust.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than drumsticks. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer fried chicken?
Classic choices like ranch dressing, hot sauce, or honey mustard are excellent with fried chicken. For something different, a spicy aioli or a tangy BBQ sauce can add extra flavor.
How long does air fryer fried chicken last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, air fryer fried chicken can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it beyond that, consider freezing it for later use!
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Enjoy mouthwatering Air Fryer Fried Chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe is simple, featuring chicken legs, delicious seasoning, and a healthier cooking method, making it ideal for a quick dinner or comfort food delight.
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 39 minutes
- Yield 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 medium chicken legs
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Dry chicken legs with paper towels to ensure the skin is dry.
- In a bowl, pour olive oil over the drumsticks and rub them until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F.
- Sprinkle your choice of seasoning over each drumstick individually.
- Add the seasoned flour or chicken breading to a gallon bag and shake to coat 3 drumsticks at a time nicely.
- Once preheated, lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Position the drumsticks in the basket with the meatiest side facing down, ensuring they do not overlap. (About 4 will fit in a Ninja Foodi.)
- Spray the tops of the legs with olive oil spray.
- Set the air fryer for 24 minutes total cooking time. Flip the drumsticks after 10 minutes, spray with olive oil spray again, and continue cooking for an additional 12 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, spray the tops again and air fry for another 2 minutes, checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Remove the chicken and serve hot, making sure to prepare more if desired.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is patted dry to achieve the crispiest texture.
You can use your favorite seasoned flour or cook with a pre-packaged breading mix for added convenience.
Adjust the seasoning level according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leg
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
