Crispy Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken Recipe (No Deep Frying!)

Meta Description: Skip the grease but keep the crunch! This easy Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection using classic Southern spices — all with less oil and mess. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Introduction

Southern fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food, known for its golden crust, tender meat, and irresistible blend of spices. But while this crispy classic delights your taste buds, the deep-frying process often leaves behind a greasy mess—and extra calories. Enter the air fryer—a kitchen hero that allows you to enjoy extra crispy Southern fried chicken with less oil and minimal cleanup.

This recipe promises all the flavors you love—juicy chicken, crunchy coating, and that unbeatable blend of Southern spices—cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. And the best part? It takes under 30 minutes to make! Whether you’re craving air fryer Southern fried chicken drumsticks, tenders, or even wings, this recipe has you covered.

Get ready to transform your kitchen into the heart of the South—with less mess and guilt.

Ingredients
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
Tips for Crispy Chicken
Variations
What to Serve With It
Storage & Reheating
FAQs
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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer Southern fried chicken at home:

Chicken (choose thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or tenders — about 2 lbs)
Buttermilk (1 cup; optional but recommended for tenderizing)
Eggs (2 large)
All-purpose flour (1 cup)
Cornstarch (1/2 cup; for extra crunch)
Seasonings:
- Paprika (2 tsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp, optional for spice)
- Salt (2 tsp)
- Black pepper (1 tsp)
Spray oil or olive oil for misting

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for crispy air fryer Southern fried chicken that tastes like it’s straight out of a Southern kitchen:

Marinate the chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add 1 teaspoon of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step ensures tender, flavorful meat.

Prepare the coating

Mix the flour, cornstarch, and remaining seasonings in a large, shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.

Dredge the chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess buttermilk to drip off. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and back into the flour mixture. Shake off excess coating.

Preheat your air fryer

Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Air-fry in batches

Lightly mist the air fryer basket with spray oil. Place chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Mist the chicken generously with spray oil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Rest and serve

Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Chicken

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate freely to create that crispy coating. Cook in batches if needed.
Oil spray matters: Misting the chicken with oil ensures a golden, fried-like crust.
Use a thermometer: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F to guarantee doneness without overcooking.
Rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.

Variations

Boneless option: Use boneless chicken breasts or tenders for an easier-to-eat meal. Adjust cooking time as they’ll cook faster.
Gluten-free version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch for crispiness.
Extra spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or increase the cayenne in the coating for some heat.

What to Serve With It

Southern fried chicken is a star on its own, but pairing it with these side dishes takes your meal to the next level:

Southern-style coleslaw – The tangy crunch complements the crispy chicken.
Buttermilk biscuits – Soft, buttery biscuits are Southern classics.
Mac and cheese – Creamy and cheesy perfection.
Mashed potatoes or cornbread – Either option adds comforting, carby goodness.

Craving something creative? Try air fryer Southern fried chicken sandwiches or serve with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-savory twist.

Storage & Reheating

Storing: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Heat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to regain that crispy crust without drying out the meat.

Pro tip: Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs or tenders work perfectly. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Q2. Can I make it dairy-free?

Of course! Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond milk) mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Q3. Do I need to flip the chicken halfway?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and browning.

Q4. How do I prevent soggy coating?

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and always coat the chicken evenly with oil spray.

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