• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kenneth Temple logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    August 29, 2024

    Buttermilk Fried Chicken Air Fryer

    This post may contain Affiliate Links. Please see my Disclaimer for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe creates a golden brown, juicy, and crispy fried chicken that tastes like it was deep fried.

    Want more flavorful sides? Try these: Southern Green Beans, Garlic Mash Potatoes, Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Black-Eyed Peas, and Stewed Okra and Tomatoes.

    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-7

    Latest Recipe Video:

    Jump to:
    • Latest Recipe Video:
    • Key Ingredients
    • How to Make Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe?
    • How To Store Leftover Fried Chicken?
    • Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • FAQs
    • More Air-Fryer Recipes
    • Before You Begin
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks

    I remember when the air-fryer craze was sweeping America, people were ranting and raving about how incredible it was, but I wasn't jumping on the trend because I did not see a fried chicken recipe in an air fryer that convinced me it was worth the hype.

    I even was gifted one and attempted to use one of my fried chicken recipes, which was disappointing. I documented the whole process and shared it with my social media accounts. My first air fryer fried chicken was white; it didn't have that signature golden brown color that made fried chicken special.

    My followers said you must spray cooking spray on it to help it brown. I immediately understood why but I didn't want to hear that. The air fryer didn't "fry" my chicken.

    Fast forward a few years, I saw a new 8-in-1 Nijia air fryer with a larger air fryer basket, and it reminded me of a toaster oven. I was sold because of one feature, it folded up and didn't take up counter space.

    Don't judge me, lol.

    I'm indeed my father's child because I told him I had one, and he said, "until I see somebody make fried chicken in it. I won't believe the hype." I laughed hard and told him the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

    But this time, it was different because I had the perfect air fryer buttermilk fried chicken recipe we both were looking for.

    This post is the results of how to make an amazing southern-style fried chicken that's air fried. I will say one thing important thing about it. Since "air fried" is convection heat (hot air circulating), the bottom side will come out less crispy than the top.

    Regardless, that bottom side is cooked and makes a juicy chicken, so you won't even notice.

    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-5

    Key Ingredients

    Before making this delicious air fryer fried chicken, check this list of ingredients to ensure you have everything you need.

    Chicken

    Chicken thighs are my favorite piece of chicken, so that's what I'm using in this recipe, but you can use any part of the chicken.

    Kosher Salt

    Using salt with larger flakes, such as kosher or sea salt, you can reduce the amount of salt you use. 

    Black Pepper

    Use a butcher ground or coarse black pepper for a better flavor.

    Cayenne Pepper

    Don't worry. I reduced the amount so everybody could enjoy the chicken, and cayenne adds a touch of heat and helps to round out the flavors.

    Onion Powder

    I only use granulated onion powder; it doesn't leave a cakey aftertaste like powdered onion.

    Garlic Powder

    I use granulated garlic powder for the same reason as the onion powder. 

    Buttermilk

    I don't use an egg mixture whenever I use buttermilk. I do not marinate the chicken in buttermilk for my recipe because the chicken would be too moist for the air-fryer to replicate deep-fried chicken.

    Flour

    All you need is old faithful all-purpose flour. Unbleached flour is my favorite.

    Cooking Spray

    I used avocado oil cooking spray. It's important to use an oil that won't start smoking above 350°F.

     

    How to Make Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe?

    What I learned about frying chicken in an air fryer is that subtle changes needed to be made. For instance, I do not use a buttermilk marinade; I use buttermilk like you would egg and milk. Next, I dry brine my chicken thighs for a couple of hours. Finally, I used a cooking spray that could handle high temperatures.

    Combine the spices in a medium bowl. Reserve 5 teaspoons. Liberally season the chicken on both sides. Place chicken thighs in an airtight container and leave them in the fridge for a minimum of 1-2 hours.

    Add half of the seasoning mix to a large bowl and the remaining to a medium bowl. Add flour to the large bowl, and stir to mix in the seasoning. Stir the buttermilk into the medium bowl.

    Dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture. Drain the excess buttermilk off, then toss each piece in the flour mixture. Place on a greased air fryer basket, and spray chicken liberally with cooking spray ensuring there are no white spots. I always say to act like a graffiti artist but don't go crazy.

    Air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes, and spray the chicken, coating any white spots. The chicken should be air-fried and golden brown, and the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced. Serve immediately with hot sauce and, red beans and rice with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.

    If you're frying in batches, keep the cooked chicken warm in the oven.

    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-3

    How To Store Leftover Fried Chicken?

    Fried chicken is best eaten hot but will remain fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

    It'll remain fresh in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months.

    Ready to heat up your leftovers? You can reheat cooked fried chicken uncovered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or reheat it in an air fryer at 300°F for 6 minutes.

    Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks

    Here are a few notes I had from making some outstanding buttermilk fried chicken.

    • Every air fryer is different; you may need to preheat your air fryer before adding your chicken to cook.
    • Fried chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When an instant-read meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
    • Squeezing the chicken slightly as you dredge it in flour will produce crags of crispy bits.
    • Pierce the chicken with a fork or small knife to allow the seasoning to penetrate the chicken. This also will help when air-frying it.
    • You can use chicken tenders or boneless chicken instead of whole chicken pieces.
    • This recipe will work for chicken legs, wings, and breasts too.
    • You can make the seasoned flour with gluten-free flour for your gluten-free friends.
    • If you're looking for the best buttermilk, it's Bulgarian buttermilk.
    • Mix buttermilk and hot sauce with the spice mix for a spicy air fryer chicken.
    • Only use a liquid measuring cup to measure the buttermilk. Measuring dry ingredients with a liquid measuring cup will be inaccurate.
    • If you cannot find buttermilk, use whatever milk you have in the fridge. Do not add lemon juice or vinegar to the milk for homemade buttermilk. Curled milk is not the same as cultured milk.
    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-6
    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-2

    FAQs

    Here are the top questions readers have about air fryer buttermilk fried chicken.

    Why do you soak the chicken in buttermilk before frying?

    You soak the chicken in buttermilk before frying it to help it stay moist and juicy. Buttermilk is an excellent marinade because it contains lactic acid, which helps break down the chicken's proteins and keep it tender.

    Why is my air-fried chicken not crispy?

    Your air-fried chicken is not crispy because the coating is not getting a good enough seal on the chicken. Make sure to use a cooking spray with a high smoke point oil, like avocado or canola oil, and shake off any excess flour before spraying and placing it in the air fryer.

    Can you air fry wet batter chicken?

    No, you cannot air fry wet battered chicken. Wet batter chicken needs hot oil to properly cook the batter and chicken to a golden brown color.

    Can you air fry buttermilk chicken?

    Yes, you can air-fry buttermilk chicken. You'll want to dunk your chicken in buttermilk, then cover it with flour before spraying it with an oil with a high smoke point, and this will ensure crispy chicken. For this recipe, you may also want to try using a higher-temperature air fryer setting.

    Should you use buttermilk for fried chicken?

    For authentic southern fried chicken, you should always use buttermilk, which helps make the chicken crispy and flavorful. However, using evaporated milk is another southern milk used for frying chicken.

    Why did my chicken not brown in an air fryer?

    The reason your air fryer fried chicken may not have browned can be for two reasons. First, it's likely that it was not cooked long enough at a high temperature. Be sure to cook your chicken for the recommended time to achieve the best results.

    Secondly, make sure that you generously spray the chicken evenly with canola oil cooking spray. The oil will "fry" the chicken as it cooks, helping the flour to turn golden brown.

    When frying chicken, do you dip it in egg or flour first?

    There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to dip their chicken in flour before frying it, while others like to dip it in egg. Ultimately, it's up to you which method you prefer.

    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-4

    More Air-Fryer Recipes

    Here are a few more air fryer recipes to add to your recipe index.

    • Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
    • Homemade Hash browns
    • Garlic Asparagus
    • Crispy Brussels Sprouts
    • Fried Green Tomatoes
    • Sweet Plantains with Crema
    Southern Creole Banner Ad-1

    Before You Begin

    Here are my steps for getting organized before I start anything.

    Step 1: Get all the fried chicken ingredients and tools on the counter.

    Step 2: Measure everything out into individual bowls.

    Step 3: Start following the recipe and get ready for the juiciest air-fried chicken you've ever had.

    I hope you enjoyed this recipe for air-fried buttermilk fried chicken. If you did, please leave a comment and star rating below. And don't forget to share it with your friends and family on social media.

    Click here to subscribe to MY Weekly Recipes for easy and free recipes right into your inbox! 

    To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the Pin button on the recipe card, the sharing buttons above or below this post, or any of the photos above. 

    Tag me @kennethtemple_ and use #LezEat on Instagram to share your remakes with me, and don't forget to leave a star rating and comment below. 

    📖 Recipe

    Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken-7

    Buttermilk Fried Chicken Air Fryer

    Kenneth Temple
    This Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe creates a golden brown, juicy, and crispy fried chicken that tastes like it was deep fried.
    4.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 persons
    Calories 769 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons cayenne
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • ¾ cups buttermilk
    • 2-3 lbs. chicken thighs washed
    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • avocado or canola oil cooking spray

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and onion powder. Reserve 5 teaspoons.
    • Liberally season chicken on both sides with seasoning mix. Place chicken in an airtight container and leave in the fridge for 2 hours.
    • Add 3 teaspoons of seasoning mix to a large bowl and add 2 teaspoons to a medium bowl. Stir flour into the large bowl. Stir in buttermilk into a medium bowl.
    • Dip the chicken in the buttermilk. Drain excess buttermilk, then toss each piece in the flour. Place on a greased air fryer basket, and spray chicken liberally with cooking spray ensuring there are no white spots. Air fry chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes, and spray chicken with cooking spray. The chicken should be golden brown, and juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
    • Serve hot chicken with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Video

    Notes

    Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks

    Here are a few notes I had from making some outstanding buttermilk fried chicken.
    • Every air fryer is different; you may need to preheat your air fryer before adding your chicken to cook.
    • Fried chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When an instant-read meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
    • Squeezing the chicken slightly as you dredge it in flour will produce crags of crispy bits.
    • Pierce the chicken with a fork or small knife to allow the seasoning to penetrate the chicken. This also will help when air-frying it.
    • You can use chicken tenders or boneless chicken instead of whole chicken pieces.
    • This recipe will work for chicken legs, wings, and breasts too.
    • You can make the seasoned flour with gluten-free flour for your gluten-free friends.
    • If you're looking for the best buttermilk, it's Bulgarian buttermilk.
    • Mix buttermilk and hot sauce with the spice mix for a spicy air fryer chicken.
    • Only use a liquid measuring cup to measure the buttermilk. Measuring dry ingredients with a liquid measuring cup will be inaccurate.
    • If you cannot find buttermilk, use whatever milk you have in the fridge. Do not add lemon juice or vinegar to the milk for homemade buttermilk. Curled milk is not the same as cultured milk. 
    Storage:
    Fried chicken is best eaten hot but will remain fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
    It'll remain fresh in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. 
    Ready to heat up your leftovers? You can reheat cooked fried chicken uncovered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or reheat it in an air fryer at 300°F for 6 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 769kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 45gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 1970mgPotassium: 667mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 677IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword air fried buttermilk chicken, air fryer buttermilk fried chicken, air fryer fried buttermilk chicken, air fryer fried chicken recipe, buttermilk air fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken air fryer, buttermilk fried chicken in air fryer
    Cooked this recipe?Let me know how it was!
    « Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wings »

    Reader Interactions

    4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Chef KENNETH Temple

    Let's Eat! I'm Kenneth!

    I am a "Food Networks Chopped Champion" from New Orleans, Louisiana, and I love cooking the best Southern Creole classics from scratch.

    Read More

    As Seen On

    Trending Recipes

    • Hot Honey Sauce in a bowl
      3-Ingredient Hot Honey Sauce
    • Homemade Creole Seasoning Recipe in a plate.
      Homemade Creole Seasoning

    Buy My Cookbook!

    Winter Recipes

    • Turnip Greens in a bowl
      Southern Turnip Greens
    • Southern Smothered Cabbage in a pot
      Southern Smothered Cabbage
    • Close up of cooked hoppin john
      Hoppin' John
    • Root Beer Braised Short Ribs2
      Root Beer Braised Short Ribs

    Healthy Recipes

    • Lamb Meatballs with Roasted Veg
      Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs Bowl
    • Yassa Chicken Bowl
    • Glazed Lemon Pepper Salmon on a plate
      10-Minute Lemon Pepper Salmon
    • Fajita Bowl with Cilantro Rice2
      Steak Fajita Bowl With Onions, Peppers And Cilantro Rice

    Party Recipes

    • Cajun Deviled Egg in a hand.
      Cajun Deviled Eggs
    • Spinach dip with cheese pull
      Spinach Artichoke Dip without Cream Cheese
    • Garlic Parmesan Wings being held in hand
      Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
    • close up of bbq meatballs
      Oven BBQ Meatballs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! to receive new recipe ideas

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Brunch Pro on the Feast Plugin

    Shop my kitchenware!

    Chef 8-inch Knife Oven Thermometer Glass Bowls XL Air-Fryer 8-Quart Instant Pot Measuring Cups and Spoons Cast Iron Skillet Digital Food Scale

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.