Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless chicken tenders or thighs

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Directions:

In a bowl, soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes.

While chicken marinates, mix flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish.

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Lightly brush or spray chicken pieces with oil.

Place chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed

A quick spray of oil helps achieve that golden color

For extra crispiness, spray with oil again when flipping

Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving

Check for doneness with a meat thermometer

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Enjoy your homemade air fryer fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!