Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Experience the taste of comfort food with this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken recipe! Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this homemade version captures the classic Southern charm and deliciousness of Cracker Barrel’s iconic dish.

Indulge in the savory comfort of Cracker Barrel’s Southern Fried Chicken. Made with a perfect blend of spices and a crispy golden crust, each bite offers a taste of traditional Southern cooking. Savor the tender, juicy chicken paired with classic sides for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

If you love easy Cracker Barrel Recipes, try my recipe for broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat), cracker barrel carrot recipe, air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese, or air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits.

Why You Will Love This Recipe For Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior without the excess oil, giving you that delicious fried chicken crunch you crave.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The blend of spices and seasonings brings out the rich, savory flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
• Versatile Serving: Whether you serve it with classic sides or add it to salads and sandwiches, this fried chicken is perfect for any meal.

Served alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, and coleslaw, this dish offers a taste of home-cooked goodness with every mouthful.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Pieces: Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken starts with high-quality chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breast cutlets, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
• Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle tanginess, while also helping the breading adhere for a crispy coating.
• Hot Sauce: For added heat, mixed in with the buttermilk, it can be omitted.
• Flour: Used to dredge the chicken pieces before frying, creating a crispy crust that locks in the chicken’s juices.
• Seasonings: A blend of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

How to Make Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

To make Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken at home, follow these simple steps:

Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then submerge them in the buttermilk mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F.

Air Fry & Cook: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. Set cook time for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

• Brine the Chicken: For extra juicy and flavorful chicken, brine the chicken pieces in a mixture of saltwater and buttermilk for several hours or overnight before breading and frying.
• Use a Buttermilk Soak: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent and tender fried chicken.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After dredging the chicken in the flour mixture, let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken and creates a crispier crust.
• Season Immediately After Frying: While the chicken is still hot from the fryer, sprinkle it with a little extra salt and any additional seasoning to enhance the flavor before serving.

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Faqs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces such as chicken breast or tenders for this recipe.

How do I prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the chicken.

Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor? Yes, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs or add additional seasoning to the breading mixture for extra flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

Can I make a larger batch of chicken in the air fryer? You can make a larger batch of chicken in the air fryer by cooking the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

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