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Air Fryer Fakeaway – Crispy Fried Chicken
- Category: Popular |
You know where we're going with this one - yes, that's right, it's the one you're thinking about. I recommend pairing this with air-fried skinny fries and a little pot of baked beans just like the Colonel does. This is a true fakeaway - all the flavour of the original but with fewer calories.
SERVES
6
CALORIES
411
COOKING TIME
20 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can you make crispy fried chicken in the air fryer?
The air fryer is a game changer when it comes to making crispy fried chicken. By circulating hot air around the chicken, it creates a crunchy coating that rivals deep-fried versions… without the need for gallons of oil. It’s the ultimate fakeaway method for lighter, mess-free fried chicken at home.
How do you get fried chicken crispy in the air fryer?
To get crispy air fryer fried chicken, follow these tips:
- Pat chicken dry before coating
- Use a buttermilk marinade for tender meat and better breading adhesion
- Coat in seasoned flour or panko breadcrumbs
- Lightly spray with oil to promote crisping
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—leave space for air to circulate
These steps ensure your air fryer fakeaway chicken turns out golden and crunchy every time.
How long does fried chicken take in the air fryer?
Cook bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time to 15–18 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe, juicy chicken.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for fried chicken?
Yes, preheating your air fryer helps achieve a crispier coating right from the start. Preheat for 3–5 minutes before adding your chicken for the best fakeaway fried chicken results.
Can I make buttermilk fried chicken in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Soaking your chicken in buttermilk helps tenderise the meat and gives it that classic Southern fried chicken flavour. After marinating, dredge the chicken in seasoned flour and air fry as usual for a juicy, crispy fakeaway.
Do I need to use oil for air fryer fried chicken?
While you don’t need much oil, a light spray of cooking oil helps the coating crisp up and turn golden brown. It’s still far less than traditional frying, making your air fryer fried chicken a healthier fakeaway option.
What’s the best flour for crispy air fryer fried chicken?
Use plain/all-purpose flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a traditional coating. For extra crunch, try mixing in cornflour (cornstarch) or panko breadcrumbs. These options help your fakeaway chicken get that signature crispy bite in the air fryer.
Can I make gluten-free air fryer fried chicken?
Yes, to make gluten-free fried chicken in the air fryer, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a mix of gluten-free flour and cornflour for the coating. Ensure all your seasonings and marinades are gluten-free as well. It’s a perfect fakeaway for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I reheat fried chicken in the air fryer?
To reheat leftover fried chicken in the air fryer, cook at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method helps retain the texture and avoids the sogginess that comes from microwaving.
Can I freeze air fryer fried chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked air fryer fried chicken. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15–18 minutes for a quick fakeaway meal on busy nights.
What should I serve with air fryer fried chicken?
For a true fakeaway fried chicken feast, pair it with:
- Air fryer chips or wedges
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Biscuits or dinner rolls
- Hot sauce or honey drizzle
These sides turn your air fryer fried chicken into a complete and satisfying meal—without the takeaway price tag.
Experience the ultimate air fryer fakeaway recipe with this Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken recipe straight from my latest book Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals. Recreate that classic favourite you’re craving with ease, paired perfectly with air-fried skinny fries and a side of baked beans.
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Method
Step 1
Coat the chicken pieces in the buttermilk or beaten egg.
Step 2
Mix together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then dredge the chicken first in this mix, then back into the buttermilk or beaten egg, then coat in the dry mix one more time.
Step 3
Add the vegetable oil to your air fryer and preheat for 2 minutes at 200°C (390°F).
Step 4
This next step is very important; coat the chicken VERY well with the olive oil spray – the flour needs to look mostly yellow from the spray. Air-fry at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning and re-spraying halfway through cooking.
Step 5
As your air fryer will be at capacity with the chicken, you could just pop some chips in the oven and heat some baked beans in the microwave or on the hob to accompany.
Step 6
Top Tip – If you’re using buttermilk, you could leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight for an extra tender result. For more fakeaway air fryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my airfryer cookbooks Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals and The Healthy Air Fryer Book on Amazon today.
Ingredients
1.2kg (8.8 oz) chicken drumsticks and thighs, skin-on
200ml (7 fl oz) buttermilk or 4 beaten eggs
120g (1/2 cup) plain flour
120g (1/2 cup) cornflour
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp mustard powder
½ tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp garlic granules
1½ tbsp white pepper
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil olive oil spray (not low-calorie)
