Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken

Craving that crispy, golden KFC-style chicken without deep-frying? This Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken recipe delivers all the bold, seasoned crunch with a healthier twist. Juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or satisfying takeout cravings—right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

For the Seasoned Flour Coating:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp celery salt
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For Air Fryer:

• Olive oil spray or cooking spray

How To Make Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce.
2. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and cover.
3. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight for best flavor and tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In another bowl, whisk together all the dry coating ingredients: flour, cornstarch, and spices.
2. Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly. For extra crunch, double-dip: dunk the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then re-coat with the seasoned flour.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place coated chicken in a single layer, not touching.
3. Generously spray the tops of the chicken with oil.
4. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and re-spraying with oil to ensure golden crispiness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

You Must Know

• Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating stick.
• Double-dipping adds that extra layer of crunch just like KFC’s signature crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—air flow is essential for crispy results.
• Use an oil spray to mimic deep frying and achieve even browning.

Topping Variations

• Drizzle with Honey or Hot Honey for sweet-heat vibes.
• Add Pickles on Top for a Southern twist.
• Dust with Cajun Seasoning or extra paprika post-air frying for smoky flavor.
• Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of freshness.
• Top with Cheese Sauce for a comfort food upgrade.

Make It A Meal

Pair your homemade KFC-style chicken with:

• Air Fryer French Fries or potato wedges
• Classic Coleslaw or creamy macaroni salad
• Buttermilk Biscuits or cornbread
• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
• Iced sweet tea or soda for the full KFC experienc

Pro Tips

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best results—juicier meat and crispier skin.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before air frying; this helps the coating stick better.
• Preheat the air fryer—a hot basket gives you immediate sizzle for a crispier crust.
• Spray with oil, not pour—pouring oil will make the coating soggy.
• Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to around 15–18 minutes depending on thickness.

Can I skip the buttermilk?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.

Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
Check if your air fryer was preheated, if enough oil spray was used, and avoid overcrowding.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the flour mix or hot sauce to the marinade.

Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Absolutely—air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy again.

Air Fryer Homemade KFC Chicken

Print Recipe

Who doesn’t love KFC Fried Chicken? The Colonel has been serving it up crispy and delicious for years, but who wants to heat up their kitchen by frying chicken in oil? With an air fryer, you can have that same delicious taste without all the added calories! In this post, I’ll show you how to make air fryer KFC Fried Chicken just like the colonel. Enjoy!

• Author: Brandy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 Chicken drumsticks
• 4 cups Buttermilk
• 3 tbsp Salt
• 1 ½ tsp White pepper (½ teaspoon for brine, 1 teaspoon for coating)
• 3 tbsp Paprika
• 1½ tsp Garlic powder (½ teaspoon for brine, 1 teaspoon for coating)
• ½ tsp Celery salt
• ½ tsp Thyme
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Dried Basil
• ½ tsp Dried oregano
• ½ tsp Ground mustard
• ¼ tsp Ground ginger
• Oil spray (avocado oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of the salt, 1 teaspoon of the paprika, ½ teaspoon of the white pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the garlic powder. Add the chicken, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, remaining 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons paprika, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, remaining 1 teaspoon white pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ground mustard, celery salt, and ground ginger.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well. Place coated chicken on a rack and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket generously with oil.
5. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops generously with oil until no dry flour spots remain.
6. Cook for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken, spray again with oil, and cook an additional 10–16 minutes, or until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175–185°F