Air Fryer Copycat KFC Fried Chicken when you think about Fried chicken, your mind automatically goes to a bucket of fried chicken from THE BEST place to purchase fried chicken. Today, I will show you how to make a copycat version in your very own air fryer.
On Friday nights, either my sister or I would choose what takeout we wanted, she always went for Chinese Food, I always choose the KFC. It would come with buttery biscuits, coleslaw, mashed potatoes covered with gravy, and of course sweet corn. To me, it was like a feast. I loved it.
My kids really love a great fried chicken dinner. Marrying someone with family in the South, my kids really got spoiled eating magnificent Fried Chicken and loved it. So, of course, with my air fryer, I am working on all things fried.
The Secret To Great Copycat Air Fryer KFC Fried Chicken
After searching the web for the secret Fried Chicken Recipe, I found an article written by a Chicago news reporter, who happened by accident to take a picture of the original recipe.
So, the secret which I found out s really due to a few reasons:
- KFC uses 11 different herbs in their seasoning blend, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, black pepper, mustard powder, ginger, thyme, basil, and oregano.
- They add MSG for my homemade copycat version, which I omitted. However, you can add some Accent flavoring, which is said to taste the same as the MSG.
Air Fryer Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
Today, I tried my hand at making copycat Air Fryer KFC Chicken, and I came really close. As in the recipe I soaked my chicken in buttermilk and then battered it with the seasonings an flour and then air fried it to perfection.
I used a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks.
The Ingredients For The Copycat Version:
Note: The exact quantities and instructions are found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Seasoning Blend:
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Kosher Salt
- Celery Salt
- Black Pepper
- Dried Mustard Powder
- Ground Ginger
- Thyme
- Basil
- Oregano
Other Ingredients:
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cornstarch
- Chicken: A Combination of thighs, breasts, wings, or legs
- Olive Oil Spray
How to Make KFC Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs and buttermilk, whisk to combine.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, pepper, mustard, ginger, thyme, basil, and oregano. Whisk to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Dip your chicken into the buttermilk mixture, let any excess drip off.
- Then place the chicken into the flour mixture and press the flour onto the chicken to make sure it sticks. Shake off any excess.
- Spray the basket with olive oil, and then place the chicken into the basket. Generously spray your chicken with cooking spray. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with more cooking spray.
- Chicken is done with it reaches 165 degrees F, and the outside is golden brown.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Some Great Items To Serve This Dish With
- KFC Copycat Coleslaw
- KFC Copycat Potato Wedges
- Mashed Potatoes
- KFC Copycat Biscuits
SOME HELPFUL PRODUCTS USED IN MAKING THIS RECIPE-
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
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Air Fryer Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Copycat
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fryer Copycat KFC Fried Chicken when you think about Fried chicken, your mind automatically goes to a bucket of fried chicken from THE BEST place to purchase fried chicken. Today, I will show you how to make a copycat version in your very own air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 egg
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 8 pieces of chicken, thighs, breasts, wings, or legs
- Olive Oil Spray
Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs and buttermilk, whisk to combine.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, pepper, mustard, ginger, thyme, basil, and oregano. Whisk to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Dip your chicken into the buttermilk mixture, let any excess drip off.
- Then place the chicken into the flour mixture and press the flour onto the chicken to make sure it sticks. Shake off any excess.
- Spray the basket with olive oil, and then place the chicken into the basket. Generously spray your chicken with cooking spray. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with more cooking spray.
- Chicken is done with it reaches 165 degrees F, and the outside is golden brown.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Keywords: Air Fryer Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
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