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Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken (Healthy & Crispy!) – Princess Pinky Girl

Fried chicken is a beloved classic, known for its juicy interior and crispy, golden-brown exterior. However, traditional frying often involves copious amounts of oil, making it a less favourable option for those seeking healthier meal choices. Enter the air fryer, a game-changer in the realm of cooking. It allows us to achieve that irresistibly crispy texture with significantly less oil. In this article, we’ll explore the best air fryer fried chicken recipe from Princess Pinky Girl that guarantees a delicious and healthy treat.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers utilise hot air circulation to cook food, which not only reduces your reliance on oil but also results in meals that are lower in calories and fat. The air fryer achieves that crunchy finish while cooking chicken to juicy perfection — ideal for those with a penchant for fried delights but who are mindful of their dietary choices.

Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken

To create the ultimate air fryer fried chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Pieces: Bone-in pieces (like thighs and drumsticks) work best for maximum juiciness; however, you can opt for chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Buttermilk: Essential for marinating, buttermilk tenderises the chicken and helps the coating adhere.
• Spices: Use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavourful kick.
• Breading: A mix of all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch) provides the perfect crispy coating.
• Cooking Spray: To achieve that golden brown finish without the excess oil.

Instructions for the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Start by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. This process infuses flavour and ensures your chicken stays moist during cooking.

2. Prepare the Coating:
   In a shallow dish, mix the flour with your chosen spices. Feel free to adjust the level of seasoning to suit your taste. In another dish, set up your breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is well coated, then dip it back into the buttermilk before pressing it into the breadcrumbs for a final coating.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.

5. Cook the Chicken:
   Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece for optimal air circulation. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray before cooking. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

6. Check for Doneness:
   The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74°C (165°F) for safety. If your chicken isn’t quite golden brown and crispy, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Rest and Serve:
   Once cooked to perfection, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly. This avoids steam buildup that can make the coating soggy. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauces and sides.

Healthy Serving Suggestions

Pair your air fryer fried chicken with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or wholegrain rice to keep the meal healthy. Consider a zesty coleslaw or a light dipping sauce made from Greek yoghurt and herbs to complement the flavours of the chicken.

Conclusion

Princess Pinky Girl’s Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a delightful recipe that marries health-conscious cooking with the satisfying crunch of traditional fried chicken. With minimal oil and maximum flavour, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any family gathering or weeknight dinner. So, dust off that air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge guilt-free!