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Buttermilk Chicken Burger Air Fryer

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Buttermilk Chicken Burger Air Fryer is incredibly delicious and perfect for serving as a fried chicken sandwich in a brioche bun. Discover my method for making perfectly crispy air fryer buttermilk chicken!

If you loved my recipe for Air Fryer Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich, you will love this recipe!

Perfect for kids and a great meal for the entire family!

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Ingredients

This air fryer buttermilk fried chicken recipe is divided into three stages, the marinading, flour, and air frying, here’s what you’ll need for each:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and become tender when marinated.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer, making the chicken moist and infusing it with a rich, tangy flavor.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other spices in the marinade.
Paprika: Paprika gives the chicken a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of sharpness, balancing the other spices.
Flour: Flour is used for coating the chicken, creating a crispy exterior when air fried.
Baking Powder: Mixed with flour helps achieve a light, crunchy texture on the chicken’s surface.

How To Make Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Here are the step-by-step directions to make buttermilk chicken burger air fryer.

Marinate The Chicken

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate: Cut the chicken breasts into desired pieces and place them in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for best results.

Prepare The Coating

Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch.

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess.

Air Fry The Chicken

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
Cook: Air fry the chicken at 375 degrees F (190°C), and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer buttermilk fried chicken!

Pro Tips Buttermilk Chicken Burger Air Fryer

Pound to Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.
Marinate for Optimal Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. The longer marinating time allows the buttermilk and spices to fully penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.
Use Parchment Paper: Place a piece of perforated parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Ensure it’s perforated to allow air circulation.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. A preheated air fryer helps the chicken start cooking immediately, resulting in a crispier exterior.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches. Proper air circulation is key to achieving a crispy texture.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying. This helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the chicken greasy.
Flip Halfway Through: Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Customize Your Buns and Toppings: Toast the brioche buns in the air fryer for a few minutes for added texture and flavor. Customize your toppings to match the flavor profile of your chosen variation (e.g., pickles, coleslaw, avocado, etc.).
Reheat Properly: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh spices, herbs, and condiments can make a significant difference in the overall taste.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Burger Recipe Faqs

How long should I marinate the chicken? Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for good flavor, but for the best results, marinate overnight (up to 24 hours). The longer marinating time helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are often juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before using it in the marinade.

How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy in the air fryer? Preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

What temperature should the chicken reach to be fully cooked? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also coat the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before air frying.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket? Use a piece of perforated parchment paper in the air fryer basket or lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before placing the chicken inside.

What kind of buns should I use for the burgers? Brioche buns are a popular choice due to their slightly sweet and soft texture. However, you can use any buns you prefer, such as whole wheat, sesame seed, or pretzel buns.

Can I add extra spices to the marinade or coating? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the marinade and coating with additional spices such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, or rosemary to suit your taste.

How should I reheat leftovers? Reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until it is warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before coating and cooking.

What are some good toppings for the chicken burger? Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, avocado, coleslaw, and different sauces such as mayo, mustard, or BBQ sauce. Customize based on your preference.

Serving Ideas

Nothing is better than a homemade Buttermilk Chicken Burger Air Fryer with a great side dish!

Some of my favorite side dishes to serve this with are:

Don’t Forget To Pin!