Here’s a crispy, flavorful KFC-style chicken recipe for the air fryer—less oil, same great taste!
KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer
Servings: 3–4
Prep Time: 15 min
Marinate Time: 1–2 hours (optional, for best flavor)
Cook Time: 25–30 min
Ingredients
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2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the coating:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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Cooking spray or a little oil for spraying
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken (optional but recommended):
In a bowl, mix chicken with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover and refrigerate 1–2 hours (or overnight) to tenderize and flavor the chicken. -
Prepare the coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. -
Coat the chicken:
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. -
Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. -
Air fry the chicken:
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket and chicken pieces with cooking spray.
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Place chicken in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd).
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Cook for 12–15 minutes. Flip and spray lightly again. Cook another 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden and crispy.
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Serve:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Tips for Extra Crispy KFC-Style Chicken:
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Double dredge: Dip chicken back in buttermilk after the first flour coating, then coat again in flour.
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Lightly spray oil to get a golden crust without deep frying.
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.
If you want, I can also give a “11-secret-herbs-and-spices style” KFC copycat seasoning specifically tuned for the air fryer. It makes it taste just like the restaurant version.
Do you want me to do that?
