Are you craving that golden crispy Southern fried chicken but don’t want the mess and calories of deep frying? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend! I’ve been experimenting with Southern fried chicken in my air fryer for months now, and I’m excited to share exactly how long to cook it for perfect results every time.
Generally, you’ll need to cook Southern fried chicken in an air fryer for approximately 20-25 minutes at 360°F (180°C), flipping halfway through. But there’s more to it than just time and temperature!
The Air Fryer Advantage for Southern Fried Chicken
Before we dive into cooking times let’s talk about why air fryers are great for Southern fried chicken
- Uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying
- Creates a crispy exterior similar to deep-fried chicken
- Produces juicy, tender meat inside
- Less messy and safer than dealing with hot oil
- Healthier option without sacrificing that classic flavor
Perfect Cooking Times for Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
The exact cooking time depends on a few factors:
- The size and type of chicken pieces
- Your specific air fryer model
- Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless chicken
Here’s my tried-and-true timing guide
| Chicken Cut | Temperature | Cooking Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on pieces | 360°F (180°C) | 20-25 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
| Boneless, skinless breasts | 360°F (180°C) | 15-20 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
| Wings | 360°F (180°C) | 16-20 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
| Chicken tenders | 360°F (180°C) | 12-15 minutes | 165°F (74°C) |
For the crispiest results, I always flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Some recipes even suggest a final blast at 380-400°F for the last few minutes to get extra crispiness!
Paula Deen’s Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken Method
Paula Deen, the queen of Southern cooking, has her own approach which uses a slightly different technique:
- Set air fryer to 350°F
- Cook for 15 minutes
- Turn chicken, spray with oil, and cook for 10 minutes more
- Turn again, spray with oil, and cook for another 10 minutes
- Turn once more, spray with oil, increase temp to 400°F, and cook for 7 minutes
This gives a total cooking time of about 42 minutes, which is longer than other methods but produces extremely crispy chicken. Her method works particularly well for larger bone-in pieces.
The Step-by-Step Process
Let me break down the whole process for you, from prep to plate:
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Start with the right chicken. Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks work best in the air fryer because they stay juicy. But you can use any cut you prefer!
2. Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness
Marinating your chicken is super important, especially for leaner cuts like chicken breasts. A buttermilk marinade works wonders:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional but recommended!)
- Your favorite seasonings
Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge is even better.
3. Create the Perfect Breading
The breading is crucial for that classic Southern texture. I like this mix:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (this adds extra crispiness!)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
4. Dredge and Rest
After marinating:
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels
- Dredge in seasoned flour mixture
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes (this helps the breading stick better)
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
6. Arrange and Cook
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook for 10-12 minutes
- Flip chicken, spray lightly with oil again
- Cook for another 10-12 minutes
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C)
- If needed, cook for additional 3-5 minute increments until done
7. Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Common Air Fryer Chicken Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to!
- Overcrowding the basket: This prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking. Work in batches if needed.
- Not using enough oil: While you need less oil than deep frying, a light spray of oil helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
- Not flipping the chicken: Turning the chicken ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Using wet batter: Traditional wet batters don’t work well in air fryers. Stick with a dry flour coating.
Troubleshooting Tips
My chicken isn’t crispy enough
If your chicken is cooked through but not as crispy as you’d like, increase the temperature to 380-400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
The breading is falling off
Make sure to:
- Pat the chicken dry before dredging
- Let the breaded chicken rest before cooking
- Spray with oil instead of brushing (which can dislodge the breading)
The chicken is dry
This usually means it’s overcooked. Try:
- Using bone-in, skin-on pieces which retain moisture better
- Marinating longer
- Reducing cooking time slightly
- Checking internal temperature earlier
Reheating Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Got leftovers? The air fryer is perfect for reheating too:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
- Place chicken in basket in a single layer
- Heat for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again
Avoid microwaving, which will make your crispy chicken soggy!
The Best Side Dishes
Your perfectly air-fried Southern chicken deserves some amazing sides! My favorites are:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Mac and cheese
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
Final Thoughts
Air fryer Southern fried chicken gives you all the flavor and crunch of the traditional version with less mess and fewer calories. The key is getting the timing right – 20-25 minutes at 360°F for most chicken pieces, ensuring they reach that magic 165°F internal temperature.
Remember that all air fryers are slightly different, so you might need to adjust times for your specific model. After a couple of tries, you’ll find your perfect timing, and your family will be begging for more of your “fried” chicken!
Have you tried making Southern fried chicken in your air fryer? What’s your favorite seasoning blend? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
What’s the best way to get crispy sweet potato fries?
Don’t overcrowd the pan (overcrowding traps moisture and makes the fries soggy!), don’t skip the cornflour (cornstarch) – it absorbs moisture and creates a crust – and make sure you let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes once they are out of the oven (this allows the crust to firm up, making them extra crispy).
The sweet potato fries are dusted with cornflour (cornstarch) for extra crunch. And the ranch? Store-bought could never match up to this!
What other dips go well with this?
Honey mustard, barbecue sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic alternatives to the ranch dressing.
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
FAQ
Can you cook Southern Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
If you’re a fan of southern fried chicken but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, using an air fryer is a great option. Not only does it cut down on the amount of oil used, but it also produces a crispy and delicious result. But how long should you cook your southern fried chicken in an air fryer for the best results? Let’s take a look. 2.
How long do you air fry chicken?
Air frying the chicken gives you that crispy fried texture without the need for tons of oil. To get a perfectly golden exterior, you’ll want to make sure the chicken is placed in the air fryer basket with enough room for the air to circulate. How to Air Fry: For 3 to 5 minutes, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
Does fried chicken need to be air fried?
Traditionally, southern fried chicken is deep-fried in oil, causing the chicken to absorb extra calories. With the advent of air fryers, lovers of this dish can now enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, producing a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
How do you cook a chicken in an air fryer?
Using a fork or a sharp knife, pierce a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil large enough to wrap the basket of a 6-quart air fryer all over, then wrap the basket tightly with foil. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the canola oil over foil and set the prepared basket in the air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195ºC) for 3 minutes.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. It’s crucial to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through.
Can You reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?
Leftovers: Store leftover Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating: Enjoy cold or reheat at 325°F in the air fryer for a few minutes, just until heated through. You can also reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven to crisp.
How long to do southern fried chicken in an air fryer?
How long does an air fryer take to fry chicken?
Can you put frozen southern fried chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s entirely safe to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. Just make sure you cook it until done, which means the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This is easy if you use an instant-read thermometer!
How long does southern fried chicken take?
Place chicken in hot oil. Fry, turning as chicken browns. Heavy parts such as breast, thighs, and legs will take 15 to 20 minutes, wings about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain chicken on paper towels.