Description
A crispy, juicy, Southern-inspired air fryer chicken recipe with bold Cajun flavors, perfect for easy, oil-free cooking.
Ingredients
2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¾ cup panko or crushed cornflakes
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and seasonings.
4. Coat with panko or chosen crunch element.
5. Place chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket; don’t overcrowd.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 22 mins (thighs) or 380°F for 18 mins (breasts), flipping halfway.
7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Optional: brush with garlic parmesan mix after air frying.
Notes
Brine chicken for 30 minutes or marinate in buttermilk/yogurt for 4–12 hours for enhanced moisture.
Use crushed Ritz
Great with sides like air fryer potatoes or broccoli.
Store leftovers for 4 days; reheat in air fryer at 370°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, Southern chicken