10 Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Ideas

Crispy Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Experience the classic comfort of fried chicken with a healthier twist using an air fryer and tangy buttermilk marinade.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cooking method:

1. Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess, and dredge in flour mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Indulge in savory garlic and parmesan flavors with these crispy, delectable chicken wings.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cooking method:

1. Toss chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Toss cooked wings with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

Honey Mustard Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Sweet and tangy honey mustard adds a delicious twist to these crispy chicken tenders.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup honey mustard
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cooking method:

1. Coat chicken tenders in honey mustard and let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Combine panko, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Dredge chicken in panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
5. Place tenders in the air fryer and spray with cooking spray.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These zesty lemon pepper drumsticks are a simple yet flavorful option for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lemon, sliced

Cooking method:

1. Rub drumsticks with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Arrange drumsticks in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon slices for an extra citrus kick.

Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Enjoy spicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken pieces in the sauce mixture and let marinate for 20 minutes.
3. Dredge chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs

Get a taste of Korea with these sweet and savory marinated chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking method:

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Air Fryer Cajun-Spiced Chicken Breast

Spice up dinner with these juicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
2. Allow chicken to marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place chicken in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and juicy.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Tender and succulent, these teriyaki chicken skewers offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Bamboo skewers

Cooking method:

1. Mix teriyaki sauce and honey in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken cubes in the sauce for at least 1 hour.
3. Thread chicken onto bamboo skewers.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Arrange skewers in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until chicken is cooked through.

Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Chicken Cutlets

Herbs and spices create a fragrant crust on these easy, crispy chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken cutlets
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cooking method:

1. Combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Dip chicken cutlets in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Spray cutlets with cooking spray and place in the air fryer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Spicy Mango Chicken Thighs

A tropical tang from mango combined with a hint of spice makes these chicken thighs irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
• 1/2 cup mango chutney
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix mango chutney, Sriracha, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken thighs with the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.