Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken is the answer. This recipe produces perfectly seasoned chicken with a crispy golden exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. The air fryer allows you to achieve that irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying, making it a lighter and less messy alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this recipe is always a hit. The combination of herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels.
2. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, and baking powder.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken.
6. Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
7. Allow the chicken to rest for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
9. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
10. Cook for 12 minutes.
11. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes.
12. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 3 to 5 minutes.
13. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
14. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Drying the chicken thoroughly helps create extra crispy skin.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for consistent browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh garden salad. It also pairs wonderfully with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 385

Protein: 34g

Carbohydrates: 2g

Fat: 26g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Sodium: 610mg