Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Skip the guilt and savor this crispy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it for Sunday dinner, a weeknight meal with the family or entertaining friends, it’s perfect for any day that comfort food is on the menu.

Ingredients to Make Best Ever Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

It’s no secret that Southerners love fried chicken. Truth be told, that love stretches across the whole country, but down here in the South, we’ve truly mastered the art. Most fried chicken recipes are passed down through generations, each one holding a little secret for extra crunch or deeper flavor.

I come from a long line of chicken-frying experts, and while each cook had their own unique twist, whether it was a special spice blend or a double-dip in buttermilk, the result was always the same: crispy, golden perfection packed with tender and juicy mouthwatering flavor. No matter the method, the end result was always delicious, so really, everyone wins.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients to make easy air fried Southern Fried Chicken: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Whole Chicken – One 4 pound whole bone-in skin-on chicken. Divided into 8 or 10 pieces, if dividing the breasts into two pieces.
• Buttermilk – Three cups of buttermilk for making the marinade and for the egg wash.
• Hot Sauce – 1/4 cup hot sauce adds a hint of spice.
• Flour – All purpose flour and cornstarch combine to make the crispy coating and crunchy texture.
• Seasonings – Seasoned salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika.
• Whole Eggs – Three large eggs are whisked with buttermilk for the egg wash.
• Oil – Vegetable oil spray or cooking spray for coating the chicken.

How to Make the BEST Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

• Season the Chicken – Season chicken pieces on all sides with seasoned salt and black pepper. Arrange in a shallow dish.
• Make Buttermilk Mixture – Whisk together 2 1/2 cups buttermilk and hot sauce, pour over chicken. Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
• Make Breading – Stir together the flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
• Make Egg Wash – Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper and buttermilk. 
• Dip the Chicken – Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, into egg wash then into flour again. Arrange on a baking sheet. Let stand for 15 minutes to set breading. 
• Prepare the Air Fryer – Spray inside of basket of air fryer liberally with cooking spray. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
• Coat the Chicken Liberally with Oil – Spray chicken pieces liberally on all sides with oil Arrange chicken in air fryer leaving space between pieces for air to circulate.
• Air Fry Chicken in Batches – Let chicken cook per the recipe until golden brown. Test with a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
• Serve – Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

• One large air fryer.
• Dredging pans or shallow bowls.
• 13×9-inch dish for marinating the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Tongs for turning the chicken.
• Oil spritzer or a quality cooking spray.
• Large whisk and instant read thermometer.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

• Adjust the Process Based on How Your Air Fryer Cooks – Air fryers are like any other kitchen appliance, they can vary in performance. Know how your appliance performs and you’ll be good to go.
• Buttermilk Makes Flavorful Tender Fried Chicken – I’m a firm believer in seasoning and brining the chicken pieces in buttermilk. It’s how I was taught to make fried chicken, and it stuck. Preferably using whole fat buttermilk, but low fat will do in a pinch.
• Set the Breading – After breading the chicken pieces, allow the breading time to rest and set. It will adhere to the chicken pieces better.
• Be Generous with the Oil Spray – When spritzing the breaded chicken with oil, It’s important to cover every inch of breading. If you don’t, those areas tend to get really dark and burn.
• Use Parchment Paper – You can line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment to prevent sticking. When doing so, add it just before placing the chicken pieces into the air fryer to prevent it from blowing around. This is completely optional.
• Stop and Spray the Chicken Halfway Through Cooking – When turning the chicken halfway through, spritz again with oil taking care to cover all floured areas.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Buttermilk Substitution – How to Make Homemade Buttermilk: To every one cup of whole milk add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand for 5-10 minutes then stir and proceed with the recipe.
• Use Cooking Spray or an Oil Mister – You can use either a quality cooking spray or make your own oil spray using an oil sprayer. You can use olive oil spray, vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• Seasonings – You can adapt the amount of salt to your taste. You can also use Cajun or Creole seasoning in place of seasoned salt.
• Herbs – You could add a variety of herbs to the breading such as thyme, chives or oregano.
• Fry Like Pieces Together – It’s best to cook the chicken in batches, frying similar size pieces together for even cooking. For example, fry the dark meat and white meat separately. Chicken thighs and chicken wings can be cooked together and back pieces with chicken drumsticks. Chicken breasts can be cut in half into 4 equal pieces, if you need more servings.
• Classic Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – See how to make classic Southern Fried Chicken here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Enjoy cold or reheat at 325°F in the air fryer for a few minutes, just until heated through. You can also reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven to crisp.
• Freezer – You can freeze fried chicken wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Best Southern Sides to Serve Along with Southern Fried Chicken

Depending on the occasion and time of year, side dishes can vary. Some side dish inspiration you may enjoy:

• Southern Potato Salad made with mayonnaise, yellow mustard and boiled eggs sprinkled with paprika.
• Root Beer Baked Beans are rich and flavorful.
• Chopped Southern Style Coleslaw dressed with a homemade dressing.
• Take things up a notch with these scratch made Au Gratin Potatoes.
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are perfection.
• Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese is a can’t miss side dish any time of year.
• Southern Collard Greens cooked with ham hocks.
• This Southern style Pear Salad doesn’t require any cooking at all.
• Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are a must!
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes from Country Living Magazine.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils