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KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Healthier Comfort Food at Home

KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Healthier Comfort Food at Home
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If you love crispy fried chicken but want a lighter, easier way to make it at home, this KFC copycat air fryer fried chicken is for you. It has that classic crunchy coating and juicy inside—without deep frying or greasy mess. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy comfort food that tastes indulgent but feels much better.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Chicken drumsticks or thighs

Marinade

  • Buttermilk

  • Eggs

Coating

  • All-purpose flour

  • Salt

  • Dried thyme

  • Dried basil

  • Dried oregano

  • Celery salt

  • Black pepper

  • White pepper

  • Paprika

  • Garlic salt

  • Dried mustard

  • Ground ginger

Optional

  • Olive oil spray (for lightly misting dry spots)

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken
    Place the chicken in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for best flavor.

  • Prepare the coating
    In one bowl, beat the eggs.
    In another bowl, mix flour with all the spices until well combined.

  • Bread the chicken
    Remove chicken from the buttermilk.
    Dredge each piece in flour, dip into egg, then coat again in the flour mixture.

  • Rest the coating
    Place coated chicken on a cooling rack for 5–10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better.

  • Air fry
    Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
    Line the basket with parchment paper if desired.
    Place chicken in a single layer without touching.

  • Cook
    Air fry for 13 minutes, flip, lightly spray dry spots with oil if needed, then cook for another 13 minutes.
    Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Serve and enjoy
    Let rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed

  • Letting the breaded chicken rest helps create extra crispiness

  • Drumsticks and thighs work best because they stay juicy

  • A light oil spray improves browning but isn’t required

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/kfc-copycat-air-fryer-fried-chicken-crispy-juicy-and-healthier-comfort-food-at-home/