Air fryer fried chicken recipe are all the rage right now. A good reason: crispy, mouthwateringly seasoned fried chicken with a little less guilt! No more waiting for a pot of hot oil to heat, worrying about it splattering on you (or your stove) and no more wondering what to do with all that leftover oil. Plus, the mess is contained in one small appliance that makes cleaning up so much easier.

To get the best results when air frying, make sure to use a heavy-duty oven mitt. You will also need to preheat the air fryer and add some oil to it (I used cooking spray, but you could use vegetable or corn oil as well). To ensure juicy, tender chicken, brining is a must. If possible, let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. It will also help if you have a baking sheet to place the chicken on when it’s done.

Healthy Indulgence: A Finger-Licking Good Air Fryer Fried Chicken Experience

Lastly, when coating the chicken, it’s important to dredge the pieces in the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess. Then, dredge them again in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Generously spray all the breaded chicken with cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.

Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, then turn and cook another 8-15 minutes until it is crispy and cooked through (check by inserting a food-safe thermometer in the thickest part of a piece). When the chicken is done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. To make the dipping sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir to combine, then serve with the air-fried chicken.

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