How does air fryer buttermilk fried chicken taste? The outer crust is super crispy, hiding a treasure trove of juicy, tender chicken inside. Honestly, I can’t get over the texture of the batter—it’s simply incredible. The crust is bursting with flavor, perfectly balancing the mild heat of the paprika with a harmonious blend of seasonings. You’d swear it was deep-fried, but I can assure you, it absolutely isn’t!
Ⅰ. Time Overview:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
With a total time of just 45 minutes (excluding marinating), you can enjoy this delicious fried chicken in less than an hour, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces are best for this recipe. They stay juicier and add extra flavor.
- Buttermilk: Essential for marinating the chicken, but you can also use dairy-free alternatives listed in the FAQ and recipe card.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch: Adds extra crunch to the coating.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
- Oregano: Adds a hint of earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Marjoram: Another herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sage: A classic herb that pairs well with poultry.
- White Pepper: For a gentle heat that’s less pungent than black pepper.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Oil in a Spray Bottle: Used to spray the chicken before cooking to ensure a crispy crust.
Ⅲ. How to Prepare the Ingredients:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for as long as possible—overnight in the fridge is ideal (12 hours), but even 15 minutes will yield good results. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, cornstarch (or potato starch), and all the herbs and spices (smoked paprika, oregano, marjoram, sage, white pepper, and salt). This dry mixture will create the deliciously crispy coating on the chicken. Set this aside.
Ⅳ. How to Cook in the Air Fryer:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 190°C (375°F). Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and evenly once placed in the fryer, leading to a crispier texture.
2. Prepare the Batter:
Add a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir until slightly clumpy. This clumpiness helps create a delicious, crispy coating. The small clumps will adhere to the chicken and form extra crispy bits that make fried chicken so irresistible.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken firmly to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken on a plate while waiting for the air fryer to preheat. This step ensures the coating adheres well and creates a thick, crunchy crust.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Generously spray the chicken with oil. This helps the coating crisp up and become golden brown. Set the timer for 25 minutes and close the lid.
5. Halfway Check:
After about 15 minutes, check the chicken and flip each piece to ensure even cooking. Spray any floury spots with a little more oil to help them turn golden brown. Close the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Flipping the chicken ensures both sides get evenly crispy.
6. Check for Doneness:
The chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 75°C (165°F), which is the safe temperature for chicken. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
7. Repeat:
Repeat the cooking process for any remaining chicken pieces that were not cooked in the first batch. This ensures all the chicken is cooked evenly and maintains its crispy texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides and enjoy the delicious, crispy, and tender air fryer buttermilk fried chicken! Pair it with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Ⅴ. Conclusion:
Air fryer buttermilk fried chicken is an easy and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken, offering the same delightful crunch and juicy meat. With simple preparation and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for any meal. The combination of herbs and spices in the coating creates a flavorful crust that complements the tender chicken inside.
