Indulge in the crispy, flavorful delight of this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe, inspired by the iconic KFC. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of juicy chicken on the inside and a golden, crunchy coating on the outside. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy this finger-licking good dish in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Directions

1. In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for even better flavor.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
4. Take a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and place it in the seasoned flour mixture. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing it into the chicken to ensure good adherence. Repeat the process with all the chicken pieces.
5. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Place the chicken in the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender result.
8. Repeat the process with any remaining chicken pieces.
9. Serve the Air Fryer Fried Chicken hot and crispy with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread, for a truly satisfying meal.

Enjoy the homemade goodness of KFC-style fried chicken, guilt-free, and with that extra touch of crispy perfection courtesy of your air fryer!