This crispy, golden Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers all the satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness of traditional fried chicken, but with just 4g of fat per serving. Ready in under 90 minutes, this healthier take on the classic comfort food lets you indulge without the guilt.

The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible crispy coating while keeping the meat perfectly moist inside. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes indulgent but stays light.

Ingredients

Bone-in Chicken: 8-12 fresh pieces, patted dry for best results

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly in a spacious bowl until well combined.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in the marinade mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
Chill & Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid and let it rest in the refrigerator. Minimum 1 hour, but overnight delivers best results.
Cooking Time: Air fry for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Final Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches proper cooking level for safe consumption.

Perfect Air Fryer Settings

For super crispy chicken, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). The magic of air frying gives you that wonderful crunch without deep frying! Space your chicken pieces out in a single layer – this lets the hot air flow around each piece. A light spray of oil on the chicken helps create that golden-brown coating we all love.

Make-Ahead Tips

The longer your chicken bathes in the marinade, the better it tastes! You can prep this up to 24 hours ahead – just keep it covered in the fridge. The marinade works its magic overnight, making the meat extra tender and tasty. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will add great flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For a lighter meal, serve it over a fresh green salad. Don’t forget some honey mustard or ranch dressing on the side for dipping! Makes a great weeknight dinner or weekend picnic dish.

Storage & Reheating

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To bring back that crispy coating, pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This works much better than using the microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Your chicken will taste almost as good as fresh!