This KFC Chicken in the Air Fryer is even better than the original! Say goodbye to takeout and hello to this KFC copycat recipe! Get the recipe in

 

1. Understanding KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken

Before diving into ingredients, let’s understand the three key elements that make KFC chicken so irresistible:

1. The Spice Blend

KFC uses a distinctive blend of herbs and spices. While the exact recipe is secret, culinary experts agree that the flavor includes:

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• White pepper

• Black pepper

• Oregano

• Basil

• Thyme

• Celery salt

• Mustard powder

We’ll recreate a very close version in this recipe.

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2. The Crispy Coating

KFC chicken uses seasoned flour and a buttermilk-based wet dip. The combination produces craggly, crisp layers of coating that cling perfectly to the meat.

In the air fryer, we can achieve a very similar crunch by:

• Using buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute)

• Double-coating the chicken

• Spraying lightly with oil before air frying

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3. The Juiciness

KFC chicken stays juicy because of pressure frying. While we can’t exactly replicate that at home, you can preserve juiciness by:

• Marinating in buttermilk

• Using bone-in, skin-on pieces

• Brining before battering

• Cooking at the right air fryer temperature

• Resting the chicken after cooking

This recipe ensures all of that.

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2. Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Chicken

• 8 pieces bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or a mix)

• OR 2 lbs boneless chicken (breasts or tenders)

Bone-in pieces are juicier and more authentic, but boneless cooks faster.

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Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon white pepper (important for KFC flavor)

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KFC-Style Dry Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon celery salt

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder

• ½ teaspoon ginger powder (subtle but authentic)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust depending on preference)

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For Air Frying

• Oil spray (avocado or canola)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness

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3. Step-By-Step Instructions

This process is simple but requires attention to detail if you want truly KFC-style results. Follow each step carefully.

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Step 1 — Brine or Buttermilk Soak

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to coat well.

Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Why this matters:

• Tenderizes the chicken

• Helps coating stick

• Adds flavor deep into the meat

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Step 2 — Prepare the KFC-Style Seasoned Flour

In a wide bowl, mix the flour with all the herbs, spices, and salt.

Taste a pinch of the flour mixture. It should be well-seasoned—not bland. Remember, most of the seasoning ends up on the outside crust.

Optional but highly recommended:

• Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps create a crisp crust even in the air fryer)

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Step 3 — Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to:

375°F (190°C) for bone-in chicken
380°F (193°C) for boneless chicken

Preheat for at least 5 minutes. A hot basket immediately begins crisping the coating.

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Step 4 — Dredging (Double-Coating is Key)

1st Coat: Flour

Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off the excess. Dredge in the seasoned flour. Press firmly so flour adheres.

Dip Back into Buttermilk

A quick dunk creates more texture.

2nd Coat: Flour Again

Return to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly. This step creates the iconic crispy KFC crust.

Place coated chicken on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
This allows the coating to hydrate and stick tightly.

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Step 5 — Air Frying (The Crispy Method)

Lightly spray chicken with oil.
Do NOT drench it; too much oil makes the coating soggy.

Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.

Air fry:

Bone-In Chicken

• 375°F (190°C)

• 25 minutes

• Flip

• Spray lightly with oil

• Cook 10–15 more minutes

• Total: 35–40 minutes

Boneless Chicken

• 380°F (193°C)

• 10 minutes

• Flip

• Cook 5 more minutes

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Step 6 — Rest the Chicken

Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting allows steam to settle and the crust to firm up.

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4. The Science of Air-Fryer Crispiness

To make chicken taste “fried” without deep-frying, we rely on three principles:

1. Dry Heat + Light Oil

The air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, and a light spray of oil allows the flour coating to fry in just enough fat to crisp.

2. Cornstarch Boost

Cornstarch gelatinizes at a lower temperature than flour, giving a crackly crust.

3. Double Coating

Flour → Buttermilk → Flour
creates flaky, craggy layers.

4. Avoiding Steam

Overcrowding your basket traps steam and causes soggy skin.

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5. Texture Troubleshooting Guide

Experience issues? Here’s how to fix them.

Problem: Coating Falls Off

• You didn’t rest the breaded chicken before cooking.

• Chicken was too wet when dredging.

• The air fryer temperature was too low.

Problem: Chicken Not Crispy

• Not enough oil spray.

• Overcrowded basket.

• Temperature too low.

• Chicken too moist (especially if not properly blotted before dredging).

Problem: Coating Looks Dry and Chalky

• You didn’t spray enough oil.

• You skipped the second buttermilk dip.

• You didn’t press flour firmly into chicken.

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6. Variations on KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken

1. Extra Crispy Version

Add:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko

• 1 additional tablespoon cornstarch

Mix into the flour for an ultra-crunchy texture.

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2. KFC Spicy Chicken

Add to flour mixture:

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Extra black pepper

Also stir 1 teaspoon hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade.

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3. KFC “Nashville Hot”-Inspired

After cooking, brush chicken with:

• melted butter

• cayenne

• paprika

• brown sugar

• garlic powder

Serve with pickles.

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4. Gluten-Free Version

Replace flour with:

• 1 ½ cups rice flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

Follow the same method.

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5. Keto/Low-Carb Version

Use:

• Almond flour

• Parmesan cheese

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

Skip cornstarch entirely.

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7. What to Serve with Air Fryer KFC Chicken

Classic Sides

• Mashed potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Mac and cheese

• Corn on the cob

• Buttery biscuits

Lighter Options

• Garden salad

• Steamed green beans

• Roasted broccoli

• Cucumber salad

Sauces

• Buttermilk ranch

• Honey mustard

• KFC-style gravy

• Spicy mayo

• BBQ sauce

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8. Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

To Prepare Ahead

You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Store in the fridge uncovered to dry the coating.

To Reheat

Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for:

• 5 minutes for boneless

• 8–10 minutes for bone-in

The chicken will crisp back up beautifully.

To Freeze

Freeze breaded uncooked chicken pieces on a tray, then store in freezer bags.

Air fry from frozen:

• 385°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

No. The coating won’t stick and the chicken won’t cook evenly. Thaw first.

Do I need buttermilk?

Buttermilk gives the most authentic flavor.
If you don’t have it:

Buttermilk Substitute:
2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
Let sit 10 minutes.

Why white pepper?

KFC’s signature peppery warmth comes primarily from white pepper.

Do I need to spray oil?

Yes. Air fryers need a thin coat of oil to mimic frying.

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10. Final Thoughts: Why This Air Fryer Method Works

This recipe recreates the essence of KFC chicken while keeping things accessible, healthier, and home-friendly. The air fryer offers the perfect environment for crisping the exterior without drying out the chicken inside. The double-dredge technique, the balanced spice blend, and the controlled moisture levels work together to deliver a crust that rivals traditional deep-frying.

You end up with:

✔ Crispy, golden crust
✔ Juicy, flavorful meat
✔ Perfectly seasoned coating reminiscent of KFC
✔ No deep-frying
✔ Far less oil
✔ Easy cleanup

This is one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again—weeknight dinners, game nights, potlucks, or when you just crave fast-food-style comfort at home.

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If you’d like, I can also write:

🍗 a 1-page printable version,
🍗 a boneless-only version,
🍗 a spicier KFC Zinger-style recipe,
🍗 or a 2000-word guide for KFC popcor