🍗✨ Air Fryer KFC Chicken

✨ Enjoy the famous crispy fried chicken flavor with a lighter twist! This easy homemade recipe delivers a golden, crunchy coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken on the inside — all without deep frying. ✨

If you’re a fan of fried chicken, this copycat recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Thanks to a flavorful blend of spices and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll get restaurant-quality results right at home.

⏱️ Recipe Information

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

❄️ Marinating Time: 1 hour

🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes

⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 For the Chicken

* 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)

* 2 cups buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

🌾 For the Coating

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 tsp paprika

* 1 tsp garlic powder

* 1 tsp onion powder

* ½ tsp dried thyme

* ½ tsp black pepper

* ½ tsp salt

* ¼ tsp white pepper (optional)

💨 For Cooking

* Cooking oil spray

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour to keep it juicy and tender.

2️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine the flour and all the seasonings.

3️⃣ Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

4️⃣ Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil on all sides.

5️⃣ Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

6️⃣ Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying lightly with oil if needed.

7️⃣ Once the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

🍽️ Tips for Success

✔️ Longer marinating time results in more tender and flavorful chicken.

✔️ Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for maximum crispiness.

✔️ A light spray of oil helps achieve a beautiful golden color.

✔️ Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. 🌶️

😍 The Result

Perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken with a crunchy coating and juicy interior, delivering all the flavor of your favorite fried chicken in a lighter, homemade version.