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Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Discover the ultimate recipe for crispy, juicy Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken! This easy-to-make dish combines the flavors of a classic Buttermilk Bath and a perfectly seasoned Buttermilk Marinade for tender, flavorful chicken. Whether you’re craving Air Fried Chicken Tenders, Buttermilk Chicken Breast, or Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, this recipe is perfect for creating restaurant-quality meals at home. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

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.