Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe for the Air Fryer
There's something innately satisfying about biting into a piece of crispy, succulent fried chicken. When it's perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, it's a culinary delight that many hope to achieve. Traditionally, fried chicken is submerged in hot oil for that perfect crunch. However, with health-conscious minds and modern technology, an air fryer can be your new best friend in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious results with far less oil.
Why Use Buttermilk?
Marinating chicken in buttermilk is not just a mere tradition; it's a technique that enhances the flavour and texture of the chicken. The acidity in buttermilk helps to tenderise the meat, ensuring that every bite is not just flavourful but also incredibly moist. It also allows the seasonings to seep deep into the chicken, enhancing its overall flavour profile.
Benefits of Air Frying
Air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving you that crispy exterior with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods. This means you get a healthier version of your favourite dishes without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 500ml buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 50g cornstarch
- Olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the buttermilk to work its magic.
2. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. These two ingredients will create a coating that’s both crunchy and light—perfect for air frying.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Lightly shake off any excess flour.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). This step is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy crust as soon as the chicken is placed inside.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space around each piece for air to circulate. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden crust. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavourful.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
- If possible, marinate your chicken the night before to allow the buttermilk to really penetrate the meat.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's cooked through; this is especially important if you have larger pieces.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Adding cayenne pepper will give a bit of heat, or use herbs for a different flavour note.
Conclusion
With this buttermilk fried chicken recipe tailored for the air fryer, you no longer need to compromise between health and taste. Enjoy the delight of crispy, tender chicken pieces that have all the satisfaction of fried chicken but with a significant reduction in oil. This is one recipe that is sure to become a staple in your household, perfect for family meals, gatherings, or just a night in treating yourself to something truly tasty.