This Air Fryer KFC Copycat Chicken gives you that famous crispy coating and juicy inside—without the grease or the guilt. Once you try it, you’ll never crave takeout again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super crispy, golden coating
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Healthier than deep-fried chicken
- Easy ingredients you already have
- Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or parties
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 egg
For the Crispy Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (extra crunch!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp white pepper (optional but very KFC-style )
- ½ tsp baking powder (secret crisp booster!)
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix:
- Buttermilk
- Egg
Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight = best flavor).
Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- All spices
- Baking powder
Mix well so every bite is seasoned.
Coat Like KFC
Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).
Dredge each piece deeply into the flour mixture.
Press the coating firmly—this is how you get those crunchy flakes!
For extra crunch: dip back into marinade, then flour again.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly spray the basket with oil
- Place chicken in a single layer
- Spray chicken lightly with oil Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway
- Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C)
- Spray again after flipping for extra crispiness
Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
- Use cornstarch + baking powder (game changer!)
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking
- Always spray oil—dry flour won’t crisp
What to Serve With It
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Biscuits
- Fries or wedges
- Corn on the cob
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer KFC Chicken is crispy, juicy, and insanely addictive.
Once you make it, store-bought fried chicken won’t stand a chance