Let me tell you about the first time I made air fryer buttermilk fried chicken – it was pure magic! I’d been craving that crispy, juicy Southern-style chicken but didn’t want all the oil and mess of deep frying. When that first batch came out with that perfect golden crunch and tender interior, I nearly danced around my kitchen. The air fryer gives you all the flavor and texture of traditional fried chicken while cutting way down on grease – my jeans thanked me later! What really makes this recipe shine is the buttermilk marinade that keeps every bite moist, plus that irresistible seasoned crust that gets perfectly crisp in the air fryer. My kids now beg for this healthier version of our favorite comfort food, and I love how easy it is to whip up without standing over a bubbling pot of oil.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This recipe has become my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners and game day snacks – here’s why it’ll become your favorite too:

That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crispiness without all the oil – trust me, you won’t miss the grease!
Juicy every time: The buttermilk soak works magic, keeping the chicken tender even if you accidentally overcook it a bit (we’ve all been there).
So easy to make: No messy oil splatters or thermometer watching – just coat, spray, and let the air fryer do its thing while you relax.
Healthier comfort food: All the flavor of classic fried chicken with way less guilt – my family devours it without realizing it’s better for them!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the crispiest, juiciest air fryer fried chicken – I’ve made this enough times to know these measurements are just right:

2 lbs chicken pieces – I prefer a mix of drumsticks and thighs (skin-on for extra crispiness!), but wings work great too
1 cup buttermilk – the secret to that tender, flavorful chicken (no substitutes here!)
1 cup all-purpose flour – gives that perfect golden crust
1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder – my go-to spice blend
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper – optional, but adds a nice little kick if you like some heat
1 tbsp cooking oil – just for spraying; I use avocado oil because it handles high heat well

That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together for something truly magical. I always double check my spice measurements – too little and the flavor falls flat, too much and you’ll overpower the chicken.

How to Make Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

After years of testing (and eating!) this recipe, I’ve nailed down the perfect method for air fryer buttermilk fried chicken. Follow these steps, and you’ll get that dreamy crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken every single time. My family swears it’s better than takeout!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Here’s where the magic starts! Pour that buttermilk over your chicken pieces in a bowl or ziplock bag – make sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Now walk away for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). The buttermilk works its tenderizing wonders while infusing that tangy flavor we all love. Don’t rush this step – patience makes perfect fried chicken!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While your chicken’s soaking, whisk together the flour and all those gorgeous spices in a shallow bowl. I like to taste a pinch of the mixture to check the seasoning – it should make you go “Mmm!” right away. The paprika gives that beautiful golden color, while the garlic and onion powders add that savory depth. Cayenne’s optional, but I always add just a bit for a subtle kick.

Step 3: Coat and Cook

Okay, showtime! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this ensures even cooking from the start. Now take each piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off (but don’t shake it too much – we want some clinging to help the coating stick). Roll it in the flour mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. For extra crunch, I sometimes do a quick second dip in buttermilk and flour – totally worth it!

Arrange the coated pieces in your air fryer basket with space between them – overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Lightly spray with oil (this helps achieve that golden color). Cook for 12 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, then another 12 minutes until they’re gorgeously browned and the internal temp hits 165°F. The smell will drive you crazy!

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Resist the urge to dig in immediately! Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute – this is the secret to keeping every bite moist. I know, the wait is torture, but trust me, it makes all the difference. Then serve it up hot and watch those happy faces around your table!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

After burning through countless batches (sometimes literally!), I’ve learned these foolproof tricks for air fryer fried chicken perfection:

Double-dip for extra crunch: After the first coating, dunk pieces back in buttermilk and flour for a thicker, crispier crust that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
Don’t skip the thermometer: That little gadget is your best friend – pull chicken at 165°F for perfect doneness without drying it out.
Size matters: If using larger thighs, add 2-3 minutes per side. For wings, check at 10 minutes – they cook faster!
Give them space: Cook in batches if needed. Crowding the basket leads to soggy spots (learned that the hard way!).
Spray smart: A light oil mist makes all the difference for that golden color – but don’t drench it!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

I get asked a lot of questions about this recipe, so let me tackle the most common ones:

Can I use boneless chicken? Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work great – just reduce the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes per side to avoid drying out. They’ll still get that perfect crispy coating!

How do I store leftovers? Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with a 1:1 GF flour mix – just make sure it has xanthan gum for binding.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. It won’t be quite the same, but it works in a pinch!

Can I freeze it? Sure! Freeze cooked chicken in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes – it’ll taste almost fresh!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the good news about our air fryer buttermilk fried chicken! These are rough estimates per serving (about one piece), but they’ll make you feel way better than traditional fried chicken numbers:

280 calories – about half what you’d get from deep-fried!
12g fat (only 3g saturated) – thank you, air fryer magic
27g protein – keeps you full for hours
15g carbs – mostly from that delicious coating

Remember, values change based on chicken size and exact ingredients – but isn’t it nice knowing you’re enjoying comfort food that’s actually kinda good for you?

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Now let’s talk about how to serve this glorious chicken! My family loves it with classic Southern sides – like my creamy coleslaw that cuts through the richness (just cabbage, carrots, and my secret dressing recipe). For comfort food heaven, pile it next to garlic mashed potatoes and drizzle everything with honey. Weeknight dinners call for quick buttermilk biscuits – they’re perfect for sopping up any juices. And don’t forget the pickles! That tangy crunch is practically mandatory with fried chicken in our house.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s how I keep my air fryer buttermilk fried chicken tasting fresh – because let’s be real, leftovers are half the joy! Let the chicken cool completely before storing in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freezer (up to 2 months). For that just-cooked crispiness, always reheat in the air fryer at 350°F – 3-4 minutes for refrigerated pieces, 8-10 minutes straight from frozen. No soggy microwave chicken in this house! Pro tip: Place a piece of parchment under reheating chicken to catch any drips without sacrificing crunch.

Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken in 2 Easy Steps

Author: Ella Parker
Total Time: 2 hours 34 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken made easily in your air fryer. A healthier twist on the classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp cooking oil (for spraying)

Instructions

Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a bowl.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Coat chicken evenly in the flour mixture.
Lightly spray chicken with cooking oil.
Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and cook another 12 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-dip in buttermilk and flour mixture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Adjust cooking time based on chicken size.
Shake basket halfway through cooking if needed.

Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken