Ditch the oil, and treat yourself to crispy Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it for Sunday dinner, or weekday comfort food, it’s perfect for those days you’re in the mood for that finger-licking good kind of eating.

Best Ever Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

It’s no secret Southerner’s love fried chicken. Truthfully, the love of breaded and fried pieces of chicken is loved nationwide. That being said, we do know how to do it right here in the South. Most fried chicken recipes are passed down from one generation to the next, especially when it comes to technique. I come from a long line of chicken frying experts yet, each one had something they did slightly differently from the next. The end result was always delicious so, everyone wins.

How to Make the BEST Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Southern Fried Chicken Air Fryer: One fryer chicken cut into 8 pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, seasoned salt, all purpose flour, cornstarch, black pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and large eggs. You’ll also need cooking spray or an oil spritzer.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: One air fryer, dredging pans or shallow bowls, 13 x 9 inch dish for brining the chicken, measuring cups and spoons, tongs, an oil spritzer or a quality cooking spray, whisk and
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.
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.
To make your own buttermilk, to every one cup of whole milk add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes then stir and proceed with the recipe.
After breading the chicken pieces, allow the breading time to rest and set. It will adhere to the chicken pieces better.
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.
You may line the bottom of the air fryer 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.
You can use either a quality cooking spray or make your own oil spray using an oil sprayer.
It’s best to cook the chicken in batches, frying similar size pieces together for even cooking.
To keep chicken warm while frying in batches, fit a rack into a sheet pan and preheat the oven to 200°F. Place fried chicken onto the rack and into the oven until serving.
When turning the chicken halfway through, spritz again with oil taking care to cover all floured areas.
Store Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for a few minutes, just until heated through.
See how to make classic Southern Fried Chicken here.

Best Side Dishes 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 Cole Slaw 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.
This Southern style Pear Salad doesn’t require any cooking at all.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes from Country Living Magazine.

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