Go Back
–+ servings

Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Rose
This air-fryer Southern fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with classic Southern flavor—without deep frying. It’s a lighter, less messy way to enjoy a comforting favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • mixing bowls
  • tongs
  • wire rack or plate
  • meat thermometer recommended

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
  • sea salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 cups self-rising flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.33 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • olive oil or avocado oil, for spraying or brushing

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk or buttermilk, water, and hot sauce until smooth.
  • Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, then return to the flour and coat again, pressing gently.
  • Place the coated chicken on a rack or plate and let rest for 10–15 minutes so the coating adheres.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket. Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray or brush lightly with oil. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the coated chicken rest before air frying so the crust adheres well. Use a light spray of oil for even browning. Avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 26gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword air fryer fried chicken, comfort food, crispy air fryer chicken, southern fried chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!