If you love the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken but want a healthier, mess-free way to make it, then this Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe is just what you need. Whether you’re craving classic Air Fried Chicken, tender Air Fried Chicken Tenders, or a crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken, the Best Air Fryer makes it all possible.
Imagine juicy Buttermilk Chicken marinated in a flavorful Buttermilk Marinade that results in golden, perfectly cooked chicken every time. With this recipe, you’ll discover the magic of Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all with little oil.
For anyone who loves Chicken Crispy with that perfect crunch, the Air Fryer Fried Chicken will become your go-to. From Buttermilk Crispy Chicken to Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Air Fryer, this is the easiest way to make The Best Homemade Chicken Tenders or a family-sized meal.
The Buttermilk Bath gives your chicken that juicy tenderness, and the air fryer makes it super simple to achieve that deep-fried perfection. This recipe also works great for Fried Chicken Breast Air Fryer or for anyone looking for an easy Chicken Strip Recipes Fried. Ready to create the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken or Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken Recipe? Let’s dive in!
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Goodness!
Okay, so here’s the deal—I’m all about getting the crispy, crunchy goodness of fried chicken without all the mess and grease. And let me tell you, this Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe is exactly what you need! It’s crispy on the outside, super juicy on the inside, and the best part? You don’t need a ton of oil to make it. Trust me, you’re gonna love this one.
Why Buttermilk? And Why the Air Fryer?
So, let’s start with the buttermilk. It might sound like just an extra step, but trust me, it makes all the difference! The buttermilk helps make the chicken super tender and juicy, while also giving it a great flavor. It also helps the seasoning stick to the chicken, making the crust nice and crispy when it cooks.
And the air fryer? It’s like magic. You get that crispy fried chicken taste but with way less oil. Plus, it cooks the chicken evenly and fast. If you’ve never used an air fryer before, get ready for a new best friend in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken. I promise, it’s all simple stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional if you like a little heat)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (this makes it extra crispy!)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray (you’ll need this for spraying on the chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Start by getting your chicken ready. I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces because they stay juicier and the skin crisps up so nicely. Put the chicken in a big bowl, then pour in the buttermilk. Now, throw in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix it all up so the chicken is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least an hour, but if you have more time (like, say, overnight), the chicken will be even more flavorful.
Step 2: Get the Coating Ready
While the chicken is soaking in all that buttermilk goodness, it’s time to make the coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. The baking powder is key because it helps make the coating extra crispy when it cooks.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now for the fun part! Take the chicken out of the fridge. Let the extra buttermilk drip off, but don’t worry about getting it all off. You want a little moisture on the chicken so the flour coating sticks. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s totally covered. For an even crispier chicken, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it with the flour mixture again. Double the crunch, double the goodness!
Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer Before we start cooking, it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly and get that golden color.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray to make sure the chicken doesn’t stick. Place the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they’re not crowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on how big your air fryer is. Spray the chicken lightly with oil spray again to make sure it gets that crispy finish.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken Now, pop the basket in the air fryer and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to make sure it cooks evenly on both sides. You’ll know it’s done when the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you want even crispier chicken, you can spray a little more oil on it during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Once the chicken is done cooking, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside and keeps the chicken juicy. Then, serve it up with whatever you like! I love serving this with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or some coleslaw.
Why You’re Gonna Love This
This recipe is super easy and pretty quick, especially since you don’t have to mess with a big pot of hot oil. The buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy, and the air fryer gives it that perfect crispy crunch we all love. Plus, you can play around with the seasoning to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
I love making this for dinner on a busy weeknight or even when I’m having friends over for a casual meal. It’s always a hit, and everyone’s always amazed that it’s made in the air fryer!
So next time you want crispy fried chicken but without the hassle, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
FAQs: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer boneless chicken, such as buttermilk chicken breast or buttermilk chicken tenders, just adjust the cooking time. Boneless pieces will cook faster, usually around 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, marinating overnight will make the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
4. Can I make this with a buttermilk air fried chicken recipe if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can deep fry the chicken or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C). However, the air fryer gives it the crispiest texture with much less oil.
5. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before marinating, as the buttermilk marinade works best when the chicken is fresh. If you use frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed before marinating.
6. What can I serve with this air fryer fried chicken?
This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, a side salad, or some cornbread. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or hot sauce for an extra kick!
7. Can I make this recipe with buttermilk chicken tenders air fryer style?
Absolutely! The cooking time will be shorter for buttermilk chicken tenders—about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the tenders.
8. How do I make sure my chicken is crispy?
To get the crispiest chicken, make sure to spray a light layer of oil on the chicken before cooking and flip the chicken halfway through. If needed, you can lightly spray the chicken with oil again during the last few minutes of cooking.
9. Can I make the coating spicier?
Yes! You can add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even paprika to the coating mix for a spicier kick.
10. How do I store leftover air fryer buttermilk fried chicken?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to get the crispy texture back.
11. Can I use a different marinade instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk gives the chicken a nice tangy flavor and helps tenderize it, you can try using a yogurt-based marinade or a simple brine with salt and spices. However, the buttermilk marinade is highly recommended for the best taste and texture.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves fried chicken without the hassle and calories of deep frying. From crispy Air Fried Chicken Tenders to juicy Buttermilk Chicken Breast, the combination of a flavorful Buttermilk Marinade and the magic of the Best Air Fryer makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re whipping up Easy Fried Chicken Tenders for the kids, perfecting a Buttermilk Crispy Chicken for dinner, or craving the bold flavors of a Fried Chicken Air Fryer meal, this recipe has you covered.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ingredients
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For Cooking:
- Olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on recommended). Toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra flavor).
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
Coat the Chicken:
- Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. For extra crunch, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and coat it again in the flour.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with oil. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For crispier chicken, spray a little more oil during the last few minutes of cooking.
- If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C).
- This recipe works great for Chicken Breast Air Fryer or Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Air Fryer.
Thanks to the Buttermilk Bath, your chicken stays tender and juicy, while the Air Fryer Battered Chicken delivers that classic crunch we all love. For those who adore Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken Recipes, this is a modern twist on a comfort food favorite.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
Whether you’re making Chicken Strip Recipes Fried for game night, preparing Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken Tenders for a quick lunch, or indulging in Fried Chicken Breast Air Fryer for a hearty dinner, this recipe is versatile, easy, and absolutely delicious.
So grab your air fryer, your favorite pieces of chicken, and get ready to enjoy Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken Air Fryer style. With this Buttermilk Air Fried Chicken Recipe, you’ll master everything from Chicken in Buttermilk to the Best Homemade Chicken Tenders. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds every time—it’s that good!
