If you love the taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken but want a healthier, homemade option, this Air Fryer KFC Chicken is the recipe for you. Made with a blend of flavorful herbs and spices, this chicken turns out perfectly golden and crunchy without deep frying. Using an air fryer means you still get that crispy texture we all crave but with less oil and fewer calories.

This recipe is a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting a party, or simply satisfying a fried chicken craving, you can rely on this dish. The best part? It’s quick, budget-friendly, and much easier to prepare than you’d think.

Why Make Air Fryer KFC Chicken at Home

Healthier than deep frying: Air frying uses little to no oil but still gives a crunchy coating.
Budget-friendly: You can feed the whole family at a fraction of the cost of takeout.
Customizable: Adjust spices, heat levels, and coating thickness to your taste.
Crispy & juicy every time: Thanks to the air fryer’s circulating heat, the chicken cooks evenly.

The Secret to KFC’s Famous Flavor

What makes this recipe taste so close to KFC is the seasoning mix. KFC is known for using a secret blend of herbs and spices, but with some experimenting, we can create a homemade version that delivers the same mouthwatering results.

This recipe uses a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, mustard powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The combination adds depth, warmth, and just the right amount of kick. Pair that with the perfect coating of flour and buttermilk, and you’ll achieve that signature crispy crunch.

Ingredients

Chicken pieces – You can use drumsticks, thighs, or breasts. Bone-in chicken gives extra juiciness, but boneless works too.
Buttermilk – Essential for marinating. It tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick.
All-purpose flour – Creates the crunchy outer crust.
Spices – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Cooking spray or light oil – To help the coating crisp up in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 1 hour (overnight if possible). This step locks in flavor and ensures tender, juicy meat.
Prepare the seasoning mix
In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create your homemade “KFC spice blend.”
Coat the chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Roll each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. For an extra-crispy layer, dip the chicken back into buttermilk and coat again in flour.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Air fry the chicken
Place the coated chicken in a single layer inside the basket. Spray the tops with oil to help crisping. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 75°C/165°F).
Serve hot
Enjoy your crispy homemade KFC-style chicken with fries, coleslaw, or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

For extra-crispy chicken, double-dip in flour and buttermilk before air frying.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so the air circulates evenly.
Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than boneless. Always check the internal temperature.
Add more cayenne if you like your chicken spicy.
Marinating overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.

Notes

You can swap buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk.
This recipe works with chicken wings, drumsticks, thighs, or tenders. Adjust cooking time depending on size.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheated in the air fryer to stay crispy.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy that irresistible KFC crunch at home without all the oil, this recipe is your answer. It’s healthier, cheaper, and customizable. Plus, it’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for weekends with family or guests.

This Air Fryer KFC Chicken gives you the best of both worlds: the comfort food taste of classic fried chicken and the benefits of modern, oil-free cooking. Once you try it, you might never go back to fast food fried chicken again.

Air Fryer KFC Chicken

Description
A crispy, juicy, and healthier version of KFC fried chicken made at home in your air fryer. Packed with flavorful spices and coated to perfection, this recipe gives you that crunchy texture without deep frying.

Duration

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
Cooking spray or light oil

Instructions

Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
Mix flour and spices to make the seasoning blend.
Coat chicken in flour mixture (double dip for extra crunch).
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
Place chicken in basket, spray with oil, and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve hot with sides or dipping sauces.