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Craving that crispy, golden KFC-style chicken without deep-frying? This Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken recipe delivers all the bold, seasoned crunch with a healthier twist. Juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or satisfying takeout cravings—right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp celery salt
½ tsp mustard powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp white pepper
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
For Air Fryer:
Olive oil spray or cooking spray
How To Make Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce.
Add chicken pieces, coat well, and cover.
Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight for best flavor and tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
skin.
Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before air frying; this helps the coating stick better.
Preheat the air fryer—a hot basket gives you immediate sizzle for a crispier crust.
Spray with oil, not pour—pouring oil will make the coating soggy.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to around 15–18 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I skip the buttermilk?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
Check if your air fryer was preheated, if enough oil spray was used, and avoid overcrowding.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the flour mix or hot sauce to the marinade.
Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Absolutely—air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy again.