Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Oil-Free
Craving crispy Southern fried chicken without deep frying? This air fryer version delivers that golden crust and juicy centre — all with less mess and no oil splatter.
Prep Time
15m
Total Time
25m
Cook
40m
Yield
3 servings
Fried
Chicken
Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken (Air Fryer)
Everything for a crispy, seasoned crust
6 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute)
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
Spray oil
Optional Seasonings
1 tsp cayenne for heat
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
1 tsp baking powder (for extra crunch)
Rest After Coating
Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes before air frying — it helps set the crust.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Here’s how to get crispy, golden fried chicken without the oil bath.
Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Mix flour and all spices in a shallow bowl.
Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
Preheat air fryer to 195°C (385°F).
Place chicken in basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro-Level Crunch
Double-dip the chicken for a thicker crust
Use baking powder in the flour mix for extra crisp
Don’t skip preheating — it helps the crust seal fast
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
This air fryer Southern fried chicken recipe hits every note — crispy, golden, juicy and packed with seasoning. It’s the ultimate comfort food made modern, with no deep frying and no compromise on flavour. Great for family dinners, casual weekends, or impressing guests with a healthier version of a classic. You get all the crunch and none of the guilt. And the leftovers? Just as good cold. Once you master this, it's going on your regular rotation.
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