Have you ever craved that iconic, flavorful KFC chicken but wanted a healthier version you can whip up at home? Well, get ready to be amazed because this Air Fryer KFC Copycat Recipe comes together in about 40 minutes! It’s a quick meal that your family will love! You’ll be amazed at how crispy and flavorful it turns out, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. The best part is, feel free to switch up the seasonings to suit your family’s taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal! Let’s dive in!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Pieces : 4 Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Pieces
- Buttermilk : 1 Cup Buttermilk
Spices
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika – A touch of paprika adds that warm, smoky flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder – Garlic powder brings a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder – This gives a subtle sweetness!
- 1 Teaspoon Salt – Essential for bringing out all those yummy flavors.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper – A couple pinches of black pepper for a bit of heat!
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper – Just enough kick to remind you this chicken means business!
- Flour : 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- Cooking Spray or Oil
How to Make Air Fryer KFC Copycat Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better! Letting them soak in that creamy goodness helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor, making it super juicy. Gotta love that prep work!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your chicken gets happy in the buttermilk, grab a bowl and mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Seriously, that mix smells incredible, you’re gonna want to taste it, but trust me, wait for the chicken!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating it nice and well. Get your hands a little messy, it’s part of the fun!
Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for ensuring that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
Step 5: Spray the Chicken
This is where the magic begins! Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray. This step helps achieve that golden brown you crave without all the oil from traditional frying.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. There should be a little space between them, this allows the hot air to circulate properly. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C, just to be safe!).
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve hot, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your healthier KFC-style chicken! Pair with some homemade coleslaw or crispy fries for a complete feast that everyone will be raving about!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights! The flavors remind me of that comfort food we all crave without the guilt of deep-frying. I’m a real sucker for chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside; it just makes me happy! And the best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand in terms of spices and even experiment with different dipping sauces. It’s just such a crowd-pleaser, and my kids eat it right up without any fuss!
If you loved this Air Fryer KFC Copycat Recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, or my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This easy Air Fryer KFC Copycat recipe comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen!
Minimal Cleanup Required
You only need a handful of bowls for this recipe. Less prep dishes = happy cooking!
Customizable
Feel free to play with your favorite spices. Don’t have onion powder? Swap it for a little dried thyme or Italian seasoning! The flexibility here is golden.
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
Trust me, when you coat the chicken in the spice mixture, every bite will burst with flavor! It’s like a flavor explosion you didn’t know you needed.
Family-Friendly
This recipe is perfect for picky eaters. You know the ones I’m talking about, the kids who can be super picky about flavors. The crispy coating and juicy chicken will win them over for sure!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
I generally love to serve mine with a side of creamy coleslaw and crispy, seasoned fries. You could also pair it with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or even a fresh garden salad. The ideas are endless!
Storage
Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Game changer for leftover chicken, I promise!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
And there you have it! An Air Fryer KFC Copycat recipe that’s not only quick and easy but also loaded with all the flavors you love. I hope this becomes a favorite in your house just like it is in mine. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer KFC Copycat Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken into the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.