The Crunchiest Buttermilk Fried Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Southern kitchens have long celebrated crispy buttermilk fried chicken with techniques passed through generations.

Grandmothers perfected coating techniques that make every bite irresistible.

Air fryers now offer a healthier twist on classic comfort food.

Marinating chicken in tangy buttermilk ensures tender, juicy meat beneath a crunchy exterior.

Seasoned flour creates that signature golden-brown crackle you’ll absolutely love.

Crisp edges and succulent interior make this dish a weeknight dinner champion.

Prepare to experience a guilt-free version of a beloved culinary classic that rivals traditional deep-frying methods.

Why Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Is So Good And Crispy

• Master Crunch Creator: Panko bread crumbs elevate this chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering an irresistible crispy exterior that cracks with every bite.
• Healthy Cooking Hero: Air fryer technology transforms classic fried chicken by reducing oil usage while maintaining incredible flavor and achieving restaurant-quality crispiness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Buttermilk marination tenderizes chicken thighs in advance, making preparation simple and ensuring juicy, flavorful meat that will impress family and friends.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or game day celebrations, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios and crowd sizes.

Everything You Need For Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cuts that create a tender and succulent base for the crispy fried chicken.

• Buttermilk: A tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds rich, creamy flavor to the meat.

• All-Purpose Flour, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: A classic seasoned flour mixture that provides the primary crispy base for the chicken coating.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and airy Japanese-style bread crumbs that create an extra crunchy exterior for the chicken.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning in the air fryer.

How To Air Fry Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Thighs

Grab your chicken thighs and nestle them into a shallow dish. Pour buttermilk over the meat, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious bath.

Cover and park in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to infuse maximum flavor and create incredibly tender meat.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

• All-purpose flour
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper

Shake the bag to combine the coating thoroughly.

Step 3: Dredge and Bread Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dunk each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, then back into buttermilk.

Finally, roll in panko bread crumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer

Spritz the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Carefully place chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Lightly spray the top of each piece with cooking spray.

Step 5: First Cooking Cycle

Cook at 380°F for 15 minutes. Gently flip the chicken pieces and spray again with cooking spray.

Step 6: Complete Cooking

Continue cooking until the chicken transforms into a gorgeous golden brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes about 10 more minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Repeat the process with remaining chicken thighs. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips To Make Buttermilk Chicken Extra Crunchy In The Air Fryer

• Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Double-coat chicken by dipping in buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy exterior that delivers incredible crunch.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and help chicken achieve golden-brown perfection.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
• Spray cooking oil between batches to help achieve consistent browning and prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.

Flavor Ideas For Buttermilk Fried Chicken In The Air Fryer

• Spicy Cayenne Kick: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery version that brings bold heat to the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the flour coating for an aromatic herb-infused chicken with extra texture.
• Southern Buttermilk Ranch: Blend ranch seasoning mix into the flour blend and sprinkle additional ranch powder over the finished chicken for a tangy southern-style flavor profile.
• Korean Gochujang Glaze: Whisk gochujang paste into the buttermilk marinade and brush a quick reduction over the crispy chicken after cooking for a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired coating.

Top Pairings For Crispy Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken

• Pair Zesty Coleslaw: Cut through the rich, crispy chicken with a tangy, cool coleslaw that balances the fried texture and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Create Creamy Mac and Cheese: Complement the savory chicken with a cheesy, comforting side that matches its golden-brown indulgence and provides a smooth contrast.
• Select Crisp Chardonnay: Opt for a chilled white wine with buttery notes that can stand up to the chicken's robust flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Dill Pickle Spears: Add bright, acidic pickle slices that cut through the chicken's richness and provide a sharp, tangy counterpoint to the crispy coating.

Smart Storage For Buttermilk Fried Chicken In The Air Fryer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain food safety and quality.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Spray lightly with oil to restore crispiness.
• Air Fryer Reheat: Warm at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Spray chicken with cooking spray to help regain crunchiness.

Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken FAQs Answered

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, making the chicken incredibly soft and juicy while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or wings, but adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces to ensure proper doneness.

• How do panko bread crumbs contribute to the recipe?

Panko bread crumbs create an extra crispy, light, and airy coating that gives the fried chicken a delightful crunch and golden-brown exterior that traditional bread crumbs can’t achieve.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken sizzles with Southern charm straight from your air fryer. Golden brown perfection delivers juicy, tender meat with irresistible crunch that welcomes you to savor every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade and Liquid:

• 1 cup buttermilk

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken thighs in buttermilk within a shallow container, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to enhance flavor and tenderize meat.
2. Calibrate air fryer to 380°F, allowing sufficient time for preheating.
3. Combine flour with seasoned salt and black pepper inside a large resealable plastic bag, creating a uniform coating mixture.
4. Extract chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip. Thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour, then reintroduce to buttermilk before rolling in panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
5. Liberally coat air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Carefully position chicken thighs without overlapping, ensuring adequate air circulation.
6. Lightly mist chicken surfaces with cooking spray to promote even browning.
7. Initiate cooking cycle for 15 minutes. Midway through, carefully rotate chicken pieces and reapply cooking spray.
8. Continue air frying until exterior achieves deep golden color and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 10 additional minutes.
9. Repeat entire process with remaining chicken thighs. Transfer to serving platter and present immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor penetration deep into the meat.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking chicken in batches, which allows hot air to circulate and create an even, crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends in the flour mixture to customize the flavor profile, such as adding paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg