Image Source from christlee_doris

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken (Gluten Free)

Fried chicken is a beloved dish across the globe, cherished for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. However, traditional frying can be messy and laden with excess oil. Enter the air fryer, a revolutionary kitchen appliance that makes it possible to achieve that crispy finish without submerging the chicken in oil. For those following a gluten-free diet, this air fryer buttermilk fried chicken recipe offers all the indulgence with none of the gluten, allowing everyone to enjoy this culinary classic.

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Marinade:

• 500g chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 250ml buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Gluten-Free Coating:

• 150g gluten-free flour (such as a blend made from rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Cooking:

• Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing the buttermilk marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavour and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the gluten-free coating. In a shallow dish, mix the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavourful coating that adds depth to your fried chicken.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 390°F). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken and let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging it in the gluten-free flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated, pressing down gently to help the coating adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Spray the basket of the air fryer lightly with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd, as this will hinder even cooking; you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil to promote crisping.

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even crispness. If you prefer an extra crispy finish, add a few additional minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and succulent chicken.

Serve the air fryer buttermilk fried chicken with your choice of side dishes. Traditional options include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing green salad. Consider drizzling a bit of hot sauce or serving with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This air fryer buttermilk fried chicken is a delightful treat that doesn’t compromise on flavour or texture. The utilisation of gluten-free ingredients ensures that everyone can partake in this delicious recipe, making it perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner. So, dust off your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this crispy, mouth-watering dish. Enjoy!

No items listed in the response.