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Crispy, Juicy & Better Than Takeout!
Skip the drive-thru and make this incredibly crispy, flavorful Air Fryer fried chicken at home. It’s coated with a perfectly seasoned crust while staying juicy and tender inside—just like your favorite KFC, but healthier and easier!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Seasoned Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large bowl with the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well. Let the coated chicken rest for 10–15 minutes.
4. Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking oil.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 12 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, spray lightly with more oil, and cook for another 10–12 minutes.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with fries, coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
- Marinate overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Press the flour coating firmly onto the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with oil for a beautiful golden crust.
- Cook in batches if needed.
✨ Golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Air Fryer KFC Copycat Chicken is guaranteed to become a family favorite! 🍗😋