`html

Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Nyla—a chef with a true love for creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. This website is where I share my favorite dishes, cooking tips, and step-by-step guides to help you enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration here to make every meal special! Today, we’re diving into a fantastic dish that brings the comforting flavors of the South right to your table, but with a healthier twist: Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken. Forget about the greasy, deep-fried version. We’re going to achieve that same crispy, juicy perfection with the magic of air frying!

This recipe is all about capturing the essence of classic Southern fried chicken, from the well-seasoned breading to the tender, flavorful meat. What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of ease and flavor, ensuring a delightful meal without the hassle and extra calories of traditional frying. Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of perfectly cooked chicken, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to moist, succulent meat. Sounds good, right? Let’s get started!

A Brief Overview of This Recipe

This Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken recipe delivers all the flavor and crispy texture of traditional fried chicken but without the added oil and mess. We’ll start by preparing a flavorful marinade to infuse the chicken with moisture and Southern spices. Next, we’ll create a seasoned breading using a blend of flour, cornstarch, and a medley of herbs and spices that will give our chicken its signature crispy crust. Finally, we’ll air fry the chicken to golden perfection, achieving that crave-worthy crunch without all the unhealthy fats.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Chicken: 2 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts). Skin-on is key for that extra crispy texture!
• Buttermilk: 2 cups. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference). A little kick is always welcome!
• For the Marinade:
• Salt: 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• For the Breading:
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Cornstarch: ½ cup (for extra crispiness!)
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Onion Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Paprika: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added heat)
• Cooking Spray: For greasing the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps to achieve Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken perfection.

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to make sure the breading adheres well. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Let the breaded chicken rest on the wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the breading set and stick better during air frying.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air frying works best when air can circulate around the food. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy result. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, away from the bone, to check the internal temperature.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the breading is browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly.
• Spice it Up!: Feel free to adjust the spices in the breading to suit your taste preferences. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or try other herbs and spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or garlic salt.
• Experiment with Different Cuts: While this recipe works great with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides: Serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, mac and cheese, or coleslaw for a true Southern feast.
• Fresh Sides: Balance out the richness of the chicken with a fresh salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables.
• Comfort Food: Pair it with corn on the cob, biscuits, or cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce, for added flavor.

Health Benefits of Air Frying

One of the best things about this recipe is that it allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of fried chicken without all the unhealthy fats and calories. Air frying uses hot air circulation to cook the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior with significantly less oil. This means you can indulge in your favorite comfort food guilt-free! Also, you can savor this Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken without worry.

• Lower in Calories and Fat: Air frying requires little to no oil, which means fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional deep frying.
• Reduces Acrylamide Formation: Acrylamide is a harmful chemical that can form when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures. Air frying can help reduce the formation of acrylamide compared to deep frying.
• Easy to Clean: Air fryers are typically easy to clean, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, from chicken and vegetables to fries and desserts.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 350 | Yield: 6 servings

This Southern Style Air Fryer Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of fried chicken but wants a healthier and easier way to make it. With its crispy breading, juicy meat, and flavorful spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of air frying for yourself!

Thank you for being here! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless, skinless chicken will cook faster than bone-in, skin-on chicken. Keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and tenderizing effect.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the chicken inside. You can also use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the breading mixture in advance. However, it’s best to bread the chicken just before air frying to ensure the breading stays crispy.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to?

For this recipe, I recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior without burning.

` Print