Crispy Air Fryer “KFC-Style” Chicken – Better Than Takeout!
Say goodbye to fast food cravings and hello to this homemade crispy chicken that tastes even better than the original KFC! Juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and ultra crunchy on the outside — all made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks or thighs work best)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a spicy kick)
Cooking spray or a little oil
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in buttermilk and let them soak for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better for extra tenderness).
Prepare the coating
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and chili powder.
Coat the chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then coat each piece well in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly so it sticks.
Air fry to perfection
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly spray the basket and chicken with oil.
Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and enjoy!
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum crunch.
Result: Crispy like fried chicken, juicy like slow-cooked chicken, and so addictive you’ll forget about takeout forever!
