Air Fryer KFC Chicken – Copycat Recipe
This air fryer KFC chicken recipe is even better than the original! Say goodbye to takeout and hello to this crispy, finger-lickin’ good homemade version. With just a little prep, you’ll enjoy juicy chicken with a crunchy seasoned coating — without all the grease!
Ingredients
Chicken Batter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 8 pieces chicken (thighs, breasts, wings, or legs)
Seasoning Mix
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, pepper, mustard powder, ginger, thyme, basil, and oregano. Whisk until evenly blended.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture and allow excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the flour mixture, coating well and shaking off extra.
Step 3: Air Fry
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil.
- Place the coated chicken inside without crowding.
- Spray the chicken generously with olive oil spray.
- Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and respraying with oil.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is crispy golden brown.
Plate, serve, and enjoy your homemade KFC-style fried chicken!
