Air Fryer Fried Chicken came about because my girl Pam brought an Air Fryer over because she didn’t have room in her apartment for it an wasn’t using it. I figured what the hell people rant and rave about these things.
So I set out to learn how to use this thing. It really surprises me how this thing can pretty much duplicate certain textures and flavors without the added things to call it junk food. Let me tell you the amount of oil to make this chicken is minimal. Air fried chicken is really delicious. This machine makes crispy fried chicken comparable to a deep fryer.
If you sit down and learn how to use an Air Fryer it really can fill an empty void without all the mess. I am totally in love with this gadget. It has really become something that I use often in my kitchen.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is a simple one. In fact, I have had people doubt that it was going to be that good because of the simplicity of the recipe. My answer to people acting like that is have you tried it?
Normally there’s no reply or the answer is no I have not tried it. Well, me being a chef I know that to make something good it doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of the time simple is even better.
Sometimes it’s all about technique. When I came up with this recipe I set out to make a healthy version of kind of a fried chicken without all the calories and the fat. So I wanted to create a crunchy texture and a good flavor that was savory and salty and would keep you wanting to eat more.
How to Cook Chicken in the Air Fryer
Full Instructions and Ingredient List in Recipe Card Below
This Air Fryer Chicken is EASY to Make. It is one of the more simple air fryer recipes. It can be done with chicken breasts bone-in or chicken thighs or chicken legs or any combination of chicken pieces that you prefer. Once you make this dish it is going to become one of your favorite chicken recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
If you want the juiciest chicken then the best part of the chicken is for sure chicken thighs. I am a person that likes the dark meat of the chicken more. I usually buy chicken quarters and cut them up myself. It is easy to do and will save you a little money.
Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Chicken breasts have a reputation for drying out, but an air fryer keeps that from happening. The quick cooking time means they stay nice and tender and the breading still gets extra crispy from the intense air circulation inside these powerful little machines.
Place in an air fryer basket and cook at 375° for 10 minutes. Flip chicken, and cook for another 5 minutes, until coating is golden and chicken is cooked through. This is for boneless chicken breast. If you are cooking bone-in chicken breast then follow the cooking times for the chicken thighs and cut time by just a few minutes.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- 2 to 3 Pound Bone-in Chicken Pieces
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Baking Powder
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kitchen Essentials and Items Used in This Recipe:
Cosori Air Fryer Max 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
Hotec Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips
Misto Frosted Glass Bottle Oil Sprayer
365 Everyday Value, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mediterranean Blend
Magnetic Cheat Sheet Cookbook for Air Fryer, Cooking Times
Step 1 Season the Chicken
Mix in a Bowl Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika and Baking Powder together. Coat the chicken pieces with this mixture on all sides of the chicken and let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes like you have marinated the chicken. This is an IMPORTANT step. The reason for this is that the baking powder draws moisture out of the skin of the chicken. When the chicken is cooked this step will make the chicken much more crispy.
Step 2 Spray Your Air Fryer Basket and Add Chicken
Spray your Air Fryer basket with some olive oil or cooking spray and then Preheat Air Fryer temperature to 385 degrees. Once the Air Fryer is preheated put the chicken in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket you want some room for proper air circulation.
Step 4 Cook the Chicken
Set the cooking time on the Air Fryer to 385 degrees and the cooking time to 40 minutes. Spray chicken pieces with Olive Oil spray or cooking spray. Flip chicken halfway through the and spray with olive oil mist.
Other Recipes:
Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
Parmesan Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers
Mattys AirFryer Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds chicken pieces of your choice
- Salt and pepper chicken to taste
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
Instructions
- Salt and pepper chicken pieces to taste.
- Cover chicken with the garlic powder and smoked paprika and baking powder. The baking powder is essential to making the chicken super crispy as it pulls moisture from the skin. Once the chicken is coated with the spices and the baking powder let it sit about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Spray your air fryer basket with and olive oil mist Or wipe with a paper towel with a little bit of oil on it to prevent sticking. Put all chicken parts into your air fryer trying not to overlap them. I like to spray the chicken with an olive oil mist but you can use cooking spray if that’s all you have. You must sprayed the chicken with the oil or cooking spray it is part of the process to get the chicken nice and golden crispy.
- Turn on your air fryer and set temperature to 385° for 35 to 40 minutes flipping the chicken ones halfway through and spraying the chicken again with the olive oil missed or cooking spray once you flip it. That’s all.
- Enjoy
II am definitely going to try my hamd at this. I think I can do it. It looks and sounds phenominal!
I would be helpful to see pics of how you place the meats or veggies in the airfryer.
Thank you Arlene.
In the future posts i will actually do that. As far as placing this in the air fryer what i do is I preheat the air fryer first and right before I put the chicken in the basket i spray the basket with a little bit of oil. I use one of those oil misters but you can use any oil or nonstick spray. Then i just lay the chicken in the basket. I try not to overcrowd the chicken because you want the heat from the air fryer to be able to circulate. Then i spray the chicken with the oil mister halfway through cook time and flip the chicken.
Hope that helps. If you have any other questions feel free to ask and thanks for your constructive comment 🙂
Matt
Can u take off the skin??
I guess you could. But the skin is the good part.
Yes; but the skin helps to keep the chicken moist. You don’t have to eat the skin if you don’t want. As it’s not deep fried in oil, it’s not a bad for you anyway.
This chicken is crunchy and delicious
Hi there, this chicken looks really good, but I have an air-fryer oven. The chicken would be placed differently on the racks. Can you tell me how this needs to be done if possible? Thanks.
Well I dont think that it really matters if your using the airfryer or the airfryer oven. As long as the chicken isnt so crowded and you are getting airflow between the pieces I think all will be fine.
Matty
This was great Matty. It will be making a repeat performance on my dinner table. Thanks for posting this.
Made it last night. So easy and really tasty. It’s just two of us, so I made five pieces of chicken at 380 degrees for 35 min—20 on the first side and 15 after flipping the pieces. Turned out just perfect.
I’ve tried air fryer chicken before and they always want you to buy buttermilk (which I don’t use for anything else) and make a mess. I loved how EASY this was.
It’s already gone into my “keeper” recipe file.
Glad you enjoyed it…Thanks for the kind review
Try using the powdered Buttermilk you keep it on the fridge, mix when you need it is so convenient! I know you don’t need it for this but for future use try it!
Funny you say that. I was thinking of trying that. Never had it and was wondering if it was good. Now I know….Thanks for the tip.
Matty
I use the powdered buttermilk all the time I only need buttermilk for cornbread and love using the powder
Trying it now, hope its great
It is super good> I make it all the time still. I hope you love it.
Can’t wait to try it! Just wondering if this would work with chicken wings instead and how long to cook it.
It will work with chicken wings. 380° 22 to 25 minutes.
So no need for flour? Just baking powder?
exactly
SO DELICIOUS. I double the spices and added 1/2tsp of chili powder, and used the double rack in my Foodi Deluxe. It took way less time though – I flipped at 18 minutes, checked temp about 4 minutes later and it was already at 190-200F. Paired with home fries sliced about halfway between shoestring and steak fries tossed with Lawry’s, garlic powder, pepper, and Frank’s powdered seasoning. Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your positive comment. I really appreciate it. Glad to know it was also great in your Foodi.
Do you think I could use the baking powder mix on chicken tenders? We loved how crispy your recipe for drumsticks was!
You absolutely can. It is a cooking technique to make chicken crispy.
Matty
Hi Matty,
The video shows adding corn starch and instructions show Baking Powder. Can you use either ?
Actually, there is no video for this recipe. But I can tell you for this recipe I used baking powder. Yes you can also use cornstarch but dont use more than a tablespoon and also cornstarch is high calorie. Hope that helps.
I think she was viewing your Jerk Chicken video.
Matty, I tried your recipe you posted for the air fry chicken. It was excellent. It was nice to also learn a little tip about using baking powder as well. Thank you. I will definitely use your recipes again.
So glad you liked it. Thanks so much for your comment. Glad to hear that you will be returning and using my recipes.
Yum! First time using the air fryer and your recipe is great! Crispy and juice chicken legs. My husband even liked them. Thank you!
You are welcome. I am glad you liked it. Thanks for the compliment.
Hi , was wondering if anyone tried skinless chicken? Thanks ,Joanne
I have not tried skinless chicken but I am sure it would work just fine.
Matt
Great recipe just as it’s written or you can spice it up a bit . Whatever pleases your taste buds! I added a little Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend seasoning.
Great crispy texture and moist on the inside. Thanks for sharing your recipes Matty!
You are so welcome and I am glad you enjoyed it.
Matty
Just bought a Emeril Pressure Airfryer Plus and was looking for a simple chicken recipe to try it out. I’ve never used a Pressure Cooker or Airfryer, but I must say, the first time using this contraption, your recipe was great and I will keep this as a come back next time I fix chicken. Chicken was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Thanks for sharing!
That’s great. I am so glad that you enjoyed it and thank you for the complement.
I crushed up pork ri do and added Parmesan cheese and salt substitute Nd pepper in took the skin off and cooked the legs in the air dryer. Very good!
That sounds good. I’m familiar with keto but never done the diet but sounds like a great modification.
This is hands-down the best AF fried chicken recipe! Amazing. I will never have to look for another one. Have tried about 6 different ones before finding this one and am so glad I didn’t give up.
Thanks for the awesome compliment. I am so glad you love it. Keep visiting I am always putting up new things.
Matty.
What would the timing be for thin breasts?
I would not do it with thin breast. It will be dry.
I’ve only used your recipe so far and I have to say, I don’t feel the need to try any others. It was delish. We did legs, as well as boneless/skinless thighs, since my husband isn’t fond of leg meat. The thighs were even better. Next time though, we’ll try to find the boneless thighs with skin on hopefully, because I like the crisp.
We have the air fryer oven, and I used both of my racks. It looked slightly crowded, but halfway through, I flipped and rotated racks from top/bottom. OH, and my darn oven ended up glitching and kicked the temp up to 400, so I cut the time by 10 min.
Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome.
Matty
This is the BEST air fryer chicken I have found. Will never need to try another recipe! Thank you for sharing.
What a great compliment and glad you love it. It is one of my favorites as well.
This👆
Thank you
Are you able to do this with boneless chicken breasts? It’s all I have in the fridge right now! This seems perfect!
Sure….But cooking time will be way less.
Tried this in my Ninja Foodi with bone in/skin on Chix Breasts; about 15 minutes in, was already perfectly browned, so lowered the temp by 10. Total time approx. 35 minutes. THIS IS A KEEPER; will be sharing the link to this page on a group called Kamaaina Recipes (Honolulu, Hawaii). Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing my recipe to your group and linking back to me. Keep an eye out for my new recipes.
Matty
This recipe is so simple and easy! My super picky hubby LOVED the chicken…Superb!
I am so glad you liked it and thanks for taking the time to comment.
I made it tonight!! It was delicious!! Cooked it at 390 for 30 minutes…flipped halfway. Definitely a hit! Thanks for sharing!
Yes. I love this recipe too. It is easy and super flavorful. Thank You for the complement.
Matty.
GAME CHANGER!!! Crispy and moist drumsticks!! A hit with the family. Might play around with the spices for different flavors. Add some heat one time maybe make more Italian another. So many ideas.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the great complement.
I made this last night with skinless chicken thighs. It had good flavor and was moist, but the only crispy part was where there was a little fat left that I hadn’t trimmed off. Based on that, I’m assuming that keeping the skin on is a must for the success of this recipe.
skin is meant to be left on in this recipe. If you look at other comments everyone loves the crispiness. Without the skin there is not anything to get crispy.
Get out of town! So good!
It is surprising how good it is. I am glad you like it. I have many other good recipes as well.
This was excellent! I used legs and they were amazing. Crispy outside and the meat was so juicy. This recipe is a keeper, for sure!
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the kind words. Come back again I always make new recipes.
Can you leave the spice mixture on for longer than 15 minutes?
Sure you can. It will be even better.
I discovered this recipe a few months after I got my air fryer. I have been making my thighs and drumsticks this way ever since. Very simple recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients but the results are so good! To make my chicken more flavourful I have seasoned them over night with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. But when I am short on time I skip that step and the chicken is still excellent. Thank for sharing your recipe with us. My family loves it!
I am glad you and your family are enjoying. Please visit again I am always putting out new recipes. This is also one of my favorites.
Matty.
I made this recipe last night with bone-in chicken breasts and they were spectacular! SO easy and SOOOOOO good!!!!!
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty.
Made this the other night and it was delicious! I made some thighs. Increased the garlic powder & paprika to a teaspoon. Cooked on the chicken setting on my air fryer (380 for 25 minutes) flipping halfway. Making more tonight!
That’s great! Glad to see that you liked it so much you are making it again already 🙂
Matty.
This chicken came out better than I could’ve imagined! My 3yo said it was better than KFC and I’m over the moon that he likes this healthy alternative to fried chicken. The skin was so crispy and flavorful and the meat was so juicy! We did a mix of drumsticks and thighs, patted them dry, and made sure to leave the seasoning on for 15min before cooking. Thanks for the post Matty!
I am so glad you and you child like it 🙂 Please comeback and visit I have some new things on the way.
Matty.
This was my first time to make chicken thighs in my Pampered Chef Deluxe air fryer. I followed the directions and this was easy and tasted fantastic. Nice crunchy crust and very juicy on the inside. You now have new follower. Thank you for sharing
That’s great! I am glad that your first attempt was a success. You should try the meatballs too. They are easy to make and fantastic. Glad to have you as a follower.
Matty
These were a huge hit in my house! So easy to prepare and came out delicious.
Thats great! So glad you enjoyed the chicken. Thanks for the nice comment. Stay safe.
Can I cook chicken quarters or is it best to cut the leg from the thigh? Thank you! Can’t wait to try this!
You can cook quarters but it is going to take a few minutes longer.
So juicy & delicious! The baking powder definitely makes a huge difference in the crunchy outer layer. Thanks for the tip!
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
It was amazing, perfect recipe. Thank you so much
So glad you enjoyed it. Im always releasing new recipes. Be sure to return.
Crispy, juicy, delicious, healthy and EASY. Keeper.
Glad you enjoyed it thanks for the nice complement.
Matty.
I love fried chicken…for too many years. I was delighted to find this quick and easy recipe that’s even healthier than most versions. I’ve made this recipe several times now. Always a winner. Have even tried this with wings. Never knew the power behind baking powder to get that crunchy look and taste.
So glad you enjoyed it. Yes the baking powder is a great trick. Try the jerk wings. You will like those too.
Great recipe! I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I used a Foodi to air crisp the chicken and it took about 18 minutes on 390. Definitely will make again!
Glad you liked it. Some of the new air fryer’s run hotter than the one I made this recipe on. Thanks for the compliment.
Matty
Matt….Oh I hope you can help me here…Can I use ANY recipe for air frying in ANY brand fryer ??? I got a power xl grill/air fryer/ 12 in 1 Combo from qvc recently and it is so bad as far as any directions or instructions…I will not get into all of that but there are absolutely do detailed instruction on air frying chicken pieces or a whole chicken …he only shows how to OIL fry the chicken…I am trying to find out from anyone how to do this with this cooker…Eric , nor mfg will tell me so I hope you can…Corsori was my original choice but me and my hubby are elderly and this one seemed to fit our style more….can you please help me out here > on air frying my chicken, I like your method and recipe…following you ..God bless.
Yes of course you can use any air fryer. They are all basically the same. Some cook a little hotter than others but other than that they’re the same. Just think of it as a mini convection oven. Don’t be afraid of it. If you follow my recipes they will work for you. On some recipes you may have to increase the cooking time a few minutes or decrease a few minutes but most of the time I find they work fine as you can see from the other comments. Hope that helps.
Great recipe! My family enjoyed the chicken wings , they were very moist inside. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it
Did the chicken the other day and marveled at the simplicity and flavor from such a simple recipe! Golden, crispy and delicious. I did replace the black pepper with Lemon pepper and will shortened the time to 35 minutes next time around. I posted the recipe w/pictures on the IP Air Fryer site and received rave reviews that really belong to you!! New folks are trying it for the first time and that tickles me because the encouragement is there to do so. Necessity is the Mother of invention, and you do it well!!
Congratulations and Thank You!!!!!!!!!! Ron
Thank you very much for the kind review. Glad you enjoyed it. Try the jerk wings you’ll love those as well.
Matty
Matt I just made friend chicken for the firs time in my life using this recipe and it was perfection. Thank you so much for such a simple and tasty recipe!
Your welcome.
I had tried dozens of recipes for crispy chicken and even the batter dipped. But none came close to how perfect this air fried chicken recipe is. I threw out all the old recipes and now wings or chicken pieces…whatever…this is the recipe I use. Going to do chicken tenders this weekend…Thanks so very much for sharing. BTW…I quadruple the recipe for the dry ingredients and keep in a air tight container…then I have it ready to go in an instant!!! I’m lazy. 🙂
Thank you for the nice complement. I am glad that I surpassed your expectations and you liked my recipe the best. Enjoy.
Matty
Easy, delicious! 30 mins was enough time for 6 legs in my Cosori 5.8qt. High recommend!
Glad you enjoyed.
I bought boneless, skinless breast(2), what do you think about cooking time? Just got air fryer so 1st time doing chicken. TIA
I think that pieces with bones are what should be used for the recipe. Big difference between what I used and chicken breast. Although the seasining can be used for the chicken breast.
If I was going to use chicken breast I would start with a cook time between 10 and 12 minutes then temperature probe and pull at 160 degrees. Let them sit for 5 minutes and enjoy.
Hope that helps
Matty.
YUM! Its like magic…so weird. How did you get the idea to use baking powder? It made a lovely tasty crust.
Yep. The baking powder is a great trick. I learned it over the years from cooking alot. Pulls moisture from the skin helping to make the skin crispy when cooking. Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Matty
This was my first attempt at making chicken legs in the air fryer. Your recipe came up first in Pinterest, so I tried it. Really great! I will be using this method from now on. Thanks!
Thanks for the nice comment. Glad you enjoyed the chicken. Enjoy your air fryer they’re great.
Matty
This is my favorite Air Fryer recipe! I honestly can’t believe how easy and how tasty this recipe is. I share this recipe every chance I get.
That’s GREAT. So glad to hear that. Thanks for the great comment.
Matty
This is the best chicken recipe! I make it every week – so easy, and so, so good!
So glad you love it. Thanks for the nice comment
Yes you are reading correct..
Looks amazing but finding it hard to fathom 2 teaspoons of baking powder covering 2-3 lbs of chicken?? Is it tablespoons? TYIA
This recipe is proven. Try and you will see. It is baking powder you do not want to use too much or it will affect flavor.
Made this tonight for the first time and the first time trying toale fried chicken with my air fryer lid. Made 9 pieces, there’s one left, and there’s only 3 of us!
A couple of questions:
1. Is it ok to mix the salt and pepper with the other ingredients?
2. Is the best way to coat the pieces to shake in a baggie?
3. If I want to use different spices, shod use the same ratio?
Thank you very much for this simple delicious recipe.
Glad you like the recipe. To answer your questions yes it’s OK to mix salt and pepper with the other ingredients. If you would rather shake in a bag yes that is fine. As far as different spices it’s all taste preference but yes feel free to modify it anyway you enjoy. You’re welcome for the recipe I appreciate the nice comment.