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Southern Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken 2026 09 07 104529 1024x683 1

Southern Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken


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  • Author: mateo
  • Total Time: 150 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour)

Description

A comforting Southern-style fried chicken made healthier in an air fryer, featuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.


Ingredients

  • 4 pieces of chicken (legs and thighs work best)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 120 minutes, or overnight for the best results.
  2. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and extra spices if desired.
  3. Coat the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray lightly with cooking spray to help achieve that golden-brown color.
  6. Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again with oil as needed. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is crispy.

Notes

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to keep it moist. For extra crispiness, you can cook for a few more minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

  • Prep Time: 120 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern