Crispy and juicy air fryer fried chicken, easy to make at home. This recipe features chicken marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with Old Bay for a flavorful, quick-cooking meal with less oil. Perfect for a family dinner, served with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Tips included for achieving golden, crunchy skin. Ideal for anyone looking for homemade fried chicken that’s simple, fast, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks recommended, skin-on or skinless)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
Vegetable or canola oil for misting

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: If using skin-on chicken, trim any excess fat or remove it completely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Marinate: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken in the mixture. Marinate for 5–10 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the breading: Line a small baking sheet with foil or wax paper. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and Old Bay Seasoning. Shake to mix well.
Coat the chicken: Place one chicken piece in the flour mixture and shake the bag until well coated. Shake off any excess flour and transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pieces. Let the breaded chicken rest while preheating the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Air fry: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil. Coat both sides of the chicken lightly with oil and place the pieces in the basket. Make sure they are touching but not overlapping. Cook at 390°F for 25 minutes.
Check and finish: Halfway through cooking, check the chicken and mist any dry spots with oil. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy without deep-frying: Get that golden fried crunch using an air fryer, with less oil.
Juicy and flavorful: Buttermilk and hot sauce keep the chicken tender and full of flavor.
Quick and convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing taste.
Customizable spice level: Adjust the hot sauce for mild or fiery chicken.

Tips

Pat the chicken dry before breading for extra crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken cuts: Wings or drumsticks work well, but cooking time may vary.
Spices: Swap Old Bay with paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for a different flavor.
Dairy-free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Breaded option: Add panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

Q: Can I freeze this chicken?
Absolutely. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Q: How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the hot sauce in the marinade.

Serving

Serve this crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Suggestions

Pair with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Add a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Enjoy leftovers in sandwiches or wraps the next day.