This air fryer fried chicken delivers a crispy, golden crust without the need for deep frying. No messy oil, no splatter, and no heavy grease. You get all the satisfaction of classic fried chicken while cutting down on excess oil and calories. Let the air fryer do the work and enjoy your crispy air fryer fried chicken.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy without deep frying – You get that crunchy, fried-chicken texture using the air fryer.
- Less mess, less stress – No splattering oil or constant monitoring like traditional frying.
- Lower in calories – Uses minimal oil while still delivering big flavor and crunch.
- Juicy on the inside – Crispy coating outside, tender and flavorful chicken inside.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- Chicken drumsticks
- The main ingredient in this recipe
- 2 tsp salt
- Flavor enhancer
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Adds subtle heat
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Enhances flavor
Wet Batter:
- 1 egg
- Acts as the binder for the coating to fit
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Adds umami
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Brings brightness to the flavor
Dry Coating:
- ½ cup potato starch
- Creates light airy crunch
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Works with potato starch for maximum crispiness
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Helps the coating stay crispy
- 1½ tsp paprika
- Adds color and smokiness
- 1½ tsp salt
- Enhances flavor
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Adds flavor
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Adds subtle kick
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Instructions
Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
In a shallow bowl, mix potato starch, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Dip each drumstick into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off.
Then dredge in the dry coating, pressing gently so it adheres well.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place drumsticks in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Cooking Tips
Make sure to pat dry the drumsticks so the seasoning clings better.
Whisk the dry coating to avoid clumps,
Let the chicken drumstick cool on a wire rack..
Storage Tips
Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat in the airfryer for 5-8 minutes at 375F.
Ingredient Substituion
Rice Vinegar –> Vinegar
Potato Starch –> Cornstarch
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- Chicken drumsticks
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Wet Batter:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Dry Coating:
- ½ cup potato starch
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together potato starch, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Dip each drumstick into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off.
- Then dredge in the dry coating, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place drumsticks in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you enjoyed this crispy air fryer fried chicken recipe, you might also like my air fryer chicken nuggets recipe.
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