Crispy Air Fried Chicken: Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside, Pure Perfection!
By Jason Griffith
Craving that satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the deep-frying mess and excessive oil? Enter the magic of the air fryer! This Air Fried Chicken recipe delivers incredibly crispy, flavorful chicken legs that are juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown on the outside. Seasoned with a delicious blend of spices and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a healthier take on a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal with minimal fuss!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for ways to enjoy my favorite comfort foods with a healthier twist, and this Air Fried Chicken is a revelation. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how the air fryer creates that incredible crispy coating that rivals deep-fried chicken, but with significantly less oil. The seasoning blend is spot-on, infusing every bite with savory, aromatic flavor. Plus, using chicken legs ensures juicy, tender meat every time. It’s a fantastic, fuss-free way to enjoy “fried” chicken, making it a regular rotation in my kitchen for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt or lemon pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for drizzling or spraying)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Cuts: While chicken legs are perfect for this recipe due to their bone-in juiciness, you can also use chicken thighs (adjust cooking time slightly) or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts (reduce cooking time significantly, about 15-20 minutes). For breasts, pounding them to an even thickness helps.
- Seasoned Salt/Lemon Pepper: If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use 1 tablespoon kosher salt and add a bit more of the other spices to taste. Lemon pepper adds a nice zesty twist.
- Paprika: Regular paprika works fine, but smoked paprika will add a wonderful smoky depth to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty kick and contributes to the crispness. You can omit it if you prefer.
- Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil over the coated chicken helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispness. An oil mister/sprayer works perfectly here.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier chicken, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Buttermilk Soak (Optional): For extra tender and flavorful chicken, you can briefly soak the chicken legs in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating in the flour mixture. Pat dry before coating.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning & Coating Bag: In a large resealable plastic bag (like a gallon-sized Ziploc bag), combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (or lemon pepper), 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese. Seal the bag and shake well to thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Wash the 6 chicken legs under cool running water. Then, it’s crucial to pat them very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick and ensures a crispier result.
3. Coat the Chicken: Place the dried chicken legs into the bag with the seasoned flour mixture. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there’s some air trapped inside. Shake vigorously until each chicken leg is fully and evenly coated with the flour mixture. You may need to do this in two batches if your bag is too full.
4. Prepare Air Fryer: Line the air fryer pan or basket with foil or parchment paper if desired for easier cleanup, but ensure you leave gaps for air circulation if using paper. Arrange the coated chicken legs on the air fryer pan or in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; you might need to cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for crispiness.
5. Drizzle with Oil: Lightly drizzle a bit of olive oil or vegetable oil over each coated chicken leg, or use an oil mister to spray them evenly. This oil helps create that beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chicken for 30–40 minutes. It’s important to turn the chicken legs every 10-15 minutes to ensure even crispiness and browning on all sides.
7. Check for Doneness: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove a chicken leg and check for doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone). The outside should be gloriously golden brown and crispy. If not quite done or crispy enough, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
8. Serve: Serve your crispy Air Fried Chicken immediately and enjoy the delicious results!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: Air needs to circulate around each piece of chicken for optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Pat Chicken Dry: This is essential! Dry chicken skin allows the coating to stick better and promotes crisping.
- Light Oil Drizzle/Spray: A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer to achieve that “fried” texture and golden color.
- Flip for Evenness: Turning the chicken frequently ensures all sides get crispy and cook evenly.
- Use a Thermometer: For safe cooking and perfectly juicy chicken, always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Season Generously: The flour coating carries most of the flavor, so ensure your spices are well mixed and the chicken is fully coated.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Air Fried Chicken is a fantastic main dish, incredibly versatile for any meal.
- Classic Sides: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh coleslaw.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, a simple side salad, or some Zucchini and Potato Bake.
- Southern Comfort: It pairs perfectly with other Southern-inspired dishes like This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor or a bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
- For other comforting and easy chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
Air fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating for Crispness: To regain crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or in a preheated oven until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy coating.
- Freezing: Cooked air-fried chicken can be frozen. Once cooled, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as described above for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of traditional frying. It’s a healthier, easier way to achieve that golden, juicy perfection that everyone loves. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that proves your air fryer is a true kitchen hero!
What are your favorite dishes to make in the air fryer, or do you have a secret spice blend for chicken? Share your tips and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and easy recipes!
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