Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that famously golden, ultra-crispy chicken but wanted a lighter, easier way to recreate it at home, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat recipe is about to become your new obsession. With just a handful of pantry spices, juicy chicken, and a clever air fryer twist, you’ll be amazed at how close this comes to the original—crackling coating, juicy inside, and all the finger-lickin’ nostalgia you could ask for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple pantry staples and everyday fridge finds create the irresistible flavor and color of real-deal fried chicken—each component is key to achieving that iconic KFC copycat magic.

• Chicken drumsticks or thighs: Bone-in, skin-on pieces stay extra juicy and provide that classic fried chicken eating experience.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes and flavors the chicken, infusing it with mouthwatering tang while keeping it moist for air frying.
• Eggs: Act like glue, helping the seasoned flour stick and creating an extra crispy crust.
• Flour: The backbone of your crunchy coating—use all-purpose for best results.
• Salt, black pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, garlic salt, paprika, dried mustard, ground ginger, white pepper: All those fabulous spices work together to mimic that famous “secret blend”—don’t skip any for the best KFC copycat flavor!
• Baking powder (optional): For even lighter, crispier skin—just a touch makes a difference.

Variations

The best part about making this Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat at home? It’s endlessly adaptable! Whether you’re swapping spices or changing up the chicken cuts, you can easily tweak this recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Go Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your buttermilk marinade for fiery heat.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a crispy coating that everyone can enjoy.
• Boneless Option: Try chicken breasts or tenders for kid-friendly, finger-food-style fried chicken—just reduce cook time slightly.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or even smoked paprika to create your own “secret blend.”

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by soaking your chicken legs in fresh buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, but for truly tender, flavor-packed results, leave them overnight or up to 24 hours. The buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps all those lovely spices stick later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In one bowl, whisk your eggs thoroughly. In a second large bowl, mix together all the flour and every single spice—don’t be shy about whisking well so the blend is perfectly even. The baking powder is optional, but it absolutely helps level up your crispy exterior!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

One piece at a time, remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off). Coat generously in the seasoned flour, then dip in the eggs, and then give it a second, thorough roll in the flour mixture. Set each piece on an oven-safe cooling rack so air can circulate and the coating sets a little before frying.

Step 4: Preheat & Arrange

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, lay down a parchment round in the bottom of your basket. Place your coated chicken in a single layer, leaving plenty of space between pieces for maximum crispiness every time.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Fry for 13 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken. If you spot any floury patches, a spritz of olive oil will help them crisp up. Air fry for another 13 minutes, then check to see if the internal temperature is at least 165°F. If needed, air fry in 5-minute increments until each piece is perfectly cooked and deep golden brown.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a few lemon wedges brighten up the rich, spiced crust. For an extra KFC vibe, a dusting of extra paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce on the side can be a game-changer!

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat pairs perfectly with classic sides: creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, or a fresh, tangy coleslaw for contrast. For a lighter touch, try a crisp garden salad or classic green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this chicken picnic-style in a basket lined with checkered paper (for the full KFC nostalgia!), or slice leftovers for salads and wraps the next day. For parties, mini drumsticks or tenders with various dipping sauces are always a smash hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat crispy, store any leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid stacking the pieces, as this can lead to sogginess—if space is tight, layer with parchment paper between pieces for best results.

Freezing

Once fully cooled, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—your crispy fried chicken will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When cravings strike, just reheat straight from frozen!

Reheating

For that freshly-fried crispiness, reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, turning halfway through. This revives the crunch far better than a microwave, bringing your Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat back to its just-cooked glory.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It truly doesn’t get better than Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat—crackly outside, juicy center, and all that addictive flavor with a fraction of the mess. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave comfort food! It’s the kind of meal that’s guaranteed to have family and friends coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Enjoy every crispy, golden bite!

Print