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Two air fryer fried chicken pieces on a white plate with ketchup and lemon

Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken makes the most crispy and juicy chicken in the air fryer! Made with a dairy-free buttermilk batter and a crispy almond flour coating flavored to perfection! This easy chicken recipe will be an instant family favorite. Gluten-free, low carb, keto, paleo and Whole30 compliant.

Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken breast, chicken dinner ideas, crispy chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken recipes, keto air fryer recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 7 servings
Calories 421 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs skin on bone-in chicken a mix of thighs, legs and breast
  • salt and black pepper . to taste
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk , or preferred dairy-free milk
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons preferred hot sauce , to taste
  • 2 large eggs

Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups superfine almond flour
  • 1/2 cup tapioca starch / flour , or arrowroot starch / flour. You can also sub with 1/4 cup of coconut flour or crushed pork rinds for low carb / keto
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast , you can sub with 1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan or regular Parmesan cheese if not dairy-free or on Whole30
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning or seasoned salt
  • 1 ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder , optional to taste
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
  • Fresh chopped parsley , for serving
  • Lemon wedges , for serving
  • Ketchup , ranch or favorite dip, for serving

Instructions

  1. If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat at 375F. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
    Raw chicken pieces on a white plate
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, add the almond milk and milk, and allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until curdled. After 5 minutes, whisk in the eggs until combined.
    Batter mixture in a mixing bowl with a whisk
  3. In another medium-sized bowl, add the almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper and cayenne powder, if using.
    A wide-rimmed bowl full of almond flour, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika and the remaining breading ingredients
  4. Working with one chicken piece at a time, use tongs (or clean hands) to dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour mixture once again.
    One chicken drumstick in flour coating
  5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single-layer, making sure to not overcrowd the basket. You may have to work in batches. Spray each chicken piece with oil, ensuring all the flour spots are covered.
    Four coated uncooked chicken pieces in an air fryer basket
  6. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray with oil again, ensuring all the flour spots are covered.
    Four crispy fried chicken pieces in an air fryer basket
  7. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or more until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

    Repeat with any remaining chicken.

    Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges, ketchup, ranch or favorite dips.

    Two air fryer fried chicken pieces on a white plate with ketchup and lemon

Recipe Notes

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat your chicken breasts, place them in the air fryer at 365°F for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to freeze

Frozen chicken will last for up to 3 months. Just fully thaw them out in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 421 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Trans Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 26g52%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.