If you’ve ever craved that delicious, crispy fried chicken from KFC but wished for a healthier, easier alternative, you’re in luck! This KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe gives you all the juicy goodness and crispy coating you love, without the hassle of deep frying in hot oil. Best of all, this version is air-fried to perfection, offering a golden brown exterior that’s packed with the KFC spice blend you’ve been looking for.
Fried chicken is undeniably one of America’s favorite comfort foods, but who wants to deal with the mess and calories of traditional deep frying? Thankfully, the air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Whether you’re using chicken thighs, chicken breast, or chicken legs, this recipe delivers a juicy meat that’s tender on the inside with a perfectly crispy coating on the outside. And yes, it tastes just like the real deal!
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Why You’ll Love This KFC Copycat Recipe
Who doesn’t love KFC’s original recipe fried chicken? For years, home cooks have been trying to replicate the iconic flavor with copycat versions, but often, something is missing. However, this copycat KFC chicken recipe nails it, and you’ll be shocked by how close it comes to the real thing. Even my picky husband agrees—and he’s not easy to please when it comes to fried chicken!
What makes this recipe so special? The secret lies in the buttermilk mixture. Soaking the chicken pieces in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Then, the flour mixture seasoned with herbs and spices gives the chicken that authentic crispy coating we all love.
Plus, it’s easy to make! By using an air fryer, you’re cutting down on the cooking time while still achieving a crispy fried chicken that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, you’ll need some basic pantry staples. The star of the show is, of course, the KFC spice blend, which includes:
- Chicken: Opt for fresh bone-in pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, and wings, for that authentic KFC experience.
- The Secret 11 Herbs and Spices Blend: A variety of seasonings including black pepper, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and more.
- Buttermilk mixture for soaking.
- Large eggs to help the flour mixture stick to the chicken.
- All Purpose flour or plain flour for the crispy coating.
- Vegetable Oil: For traditional frying or air frying, vegetable oil is your go-to choice.
- Cooking spray for that final touch during air frying.
You’ll also need an air fryer basket, a large bowl for the dry ingredients, and a wire rack for the finished product.
For exact measurements and instructions, check the recipe card below.
Revealing the 11 Herbs and Spices Blend
The heart of the KFC flavor lies in its secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Let's unravel the mystery:
- ⅔ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Thyme
- ½ teaspoon Basil
- ⅓ teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Celery Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Mustard
- 4 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 3 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
For authenticity's sake MSG is one of the ingredients used and the FDA reports suggest it's generally safe for consumption and it's required to be labeled but there is still debate according to independent reports.
Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Fried Chicken
If you haven’t jumped on the air frying trend yet, you’re seriously missing out. While deep frying has been the go-to method for crispy chicken for decades, air fryers offer the same great results with far fewer calories and much less mess. With the air fryer, you can achieve that golden brown texture without needing a deep fryer or worrying about hot oil splattering all over your kitchen.
But how exactly does it work? Air frying uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy coating while keeping the inside moist and tender. Plus, there’s no need to preheat like you would with an oven. Simply place your chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature, and let it do its thing. In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy, juicy meat that’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step: How to Make KFC Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken pieces are tender and juicy.
- Prepare your dredging stations. In one shallow bowl, beat the large eggs. In a second bowl, mix the purpose flour (or plain flour) with the KFC spice blend.
- Dredge the chicken by first coating each piece in the flour mixture, then dipping it in the eggs, and finally rolling it in the flour mixture once more to create a thick, crispy coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (degrees F). For best results, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a parchment round to prevent sticking.
- Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer. Air fry for 13 minutes, then flip. If you notice any dry flour spots, spritz them with olive oil spray before continuing to cook.
- Fry for another 13 minutes, then check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes at a time until it reaches the correct temperature.
Deep Frying and Oven Baking Alternatives
If you prefer a more traditional method, you can easily adapt this recipe for deep frying or oven baking.
- For deep frying: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 2-4 minutes, until the coating is golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
- For oven baking: Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Both methods yield crispy fried chicken, but the air fryer offers the most health-conscious option.
The Art of Frying Your KFC Copycat Chicken
Choosing the Right Cooking Oil
To achieve that iconic KFC crunch, use vegetable oil for frying. Make sure it's hot (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken.
Fry to Perfection
- Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
- Fry for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Coating the Chicken: Just like the traditional method, coat your chicken pieces with the secret blend and let them rest.
- Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Frying: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
For the full KFC experience, serve your Copycat KFC Chicken with these classic sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, just like KFC's.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy side dish.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery, and irresistible.
Dipping Sauces
Enhance the flavor with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your chicken is cooked, serve it hot alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. The crispy coating will stay crunchy, and the juicy meat will be as flavorful as ever. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, simply pop the chicken back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Final Thoughts: The Real Deal KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken
With this copycat KFC chicken recipe, you’ll never need to make another trip to your local grocery store for pre-made fried chicken. You can recreate the flavors of Kentucky Fried Chicken right in your own kitchen using simple, healthy ingredients. The best part? This recipe is so versatile that you can easily adapt it for chicken thighs, chicken breast, or whole chicken pieces, making it perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy this crispy fried chicken with all the flavor of the Colonel’s secret spice blend, minus the guilt!
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