Introduction

Air-fried chicken is a quick and healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying. Using an air fryer creates a perfectly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts), 4-6 pieces
Seasoning of your choice (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder), to taste
1-2 tablespoons oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Drizzle oil over them and rub in your chosen seasoning evenly.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, making sure pieces do not overlap.
Step 3: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C).

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, spritz the chicken with a little oil halfway through cooking.
Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Use bone-in chicken for juicier results, but boneless pieces will cook faster.

Storage

Store leftover air-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook. It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and crispiness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispier skin, though some models allow you to skip this step.

Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken made with simple seasoning and a touch of oil, perfect for a quick and healthy meal with less fat than traditional frying methods.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs, approximately 1 lb)

Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Others

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and to promote crispiness during cooking.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Drizzle the oil over the chicken and rub it in to coat thoroughly.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Air-fry the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
Adjust seasoning to taste or add your favorite herbs and spices.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: air fried chicken, crispy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken, air fryer recipe