Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken

Last summer we went on a family road trip and the kids begged for fried chicken on the very first stop so of course we pulled over at a tiny diner on the highway and honestly the chicken smelled amazing yet when it came out it was greasy and heavy so everyone ended up sleepy in the car afterward and I thought there has to be a better way so I went back home and gave it a shot in the air fryer and guess what it worked

The first time though I burnt the coating so the outside was dark while the inside was still raw and it felt like such a fail yet that’s the thing about cooking right we mess up and then we try again and the second try was golden and crispy and it made me grin like a kid with a bucket of chicken so now it’s become our little family tradition whenever we get that road trip craving without leaving home

Have you ever had that moment when you bite into something and it takes you back to a place or a memory and suddenly you’re smiling even though you didn’t plan to well that’s what this recipe does and that’s why I keep making it over and over and now I’m sharing it with you because maybe it’ll become part of your family story too

Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken

Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken and BBQ Chicken is a lighter, healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried favorite. Instead of soaking in oil, the air fryer uses hot circulating air to give the chicken that same crispy, golden-brown coating while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This recipe combines the classic Southern-style crunch with a smoky BBQ flavor that makes every bite feel like a backyard cookout. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a weekend gathering, this recipe guarantees flavor without the guilt of heavy frying.

What to Eat with Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken

This recipe pairs perfectly with many classic Southern sides. You can serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, mac and cheese, or even coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. If you want something lighter, try a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob. Don’t forget a dipping sauce—honey mustard, ranch, or extra BBQ sauce are all great choices. With these sides, your air-fried chicken becomes a full and satisfying meal.

Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes (for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (for brushing at the end)

How To Make Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken – Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better). This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the coating – In a separate bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir until well combined.
3. Coat the chicken – Remove chicken from the buttermilk one piece at a time. Roll each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Shake off any excess.
4. Preheat the air fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispier.
5. Arrange in the basket – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. Place chicken pieces inside in a single layer without overlapping. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little oil as well.
6. Air-fry the chicken – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should be at least 165°F / 74°C).
7. Add BBQ flavor – For the BBQ version, brush cooked chicken with BBQ sauce and place back in the air fryer for an extra 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
8. Serve hot – Enjoy your crispy, juicy Southern Fried Chicken or smoky BBQ Chicken with your favorite sides.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Cooking spray or oil brush

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, put the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy instead of soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months—just wrap each piece tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQ

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Just reduce cooking time to around 18–20 minutes since they cook faster.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

4. Can I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Spray the chicken lightly with cooking oil before cooking and again halfway through. This helps the coating crisp up beautifully.

6. What BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works perfectly, but you can use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or the chicken won’t crisp properly.

8. Is air-fried chicken healthier than deep-fried chicken?

Yes, air-fried chicken uses much less oil while still delivering a crispy texture, making it a lighter and healthier choice.

Conclusion

Air-Fryer Southern Fried Chicken / BBQ Chicken is a recipe that brings the best of comfort food and healthier cooking together. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, golden chicken without the mess and heaviness of deep frying. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a quick weeknight meal, this dish is one that will keep everyone coming back for more. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes like this!