Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 40 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook breaded fried chicken in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks
- 120 g plain flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 80 ml milk
- Cooking spray
Method
- 1Pat the chicken dry. Mix the flour with the salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper.
- 2Whisk the eggs and milk in a second bowl.
- 3Dip each piece in the flour, then the egg, then the flour again, and press the coating on.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3 minutes.
- 5Arrange the pieces in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
- 6Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is deep golden.
- 7Check the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F, then rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the best results
- Crisp breaded fried chicken with a juicy centre, cooked in the air fryer instead of a pan of oil. A light spray is enough for the coating to colour.
- Cook in two batches rather than stacking pieces. Overlap steams the coating.
- Leftover fried chicken reheats better than it microwaves: use the reheat page, not this time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer fried chicken steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Fried Chicken is ready at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook fried chicken in an air fryer?+
Breaded pieces take 18-22 minutes at 190°C / 375°F. Flip halfway. The USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart lists 74°C / 165°F as the safe temperature for chicken. Leftover fried chicken is a shorter, cooler reheat.
What temperature and time for air fryer fried chicken?+
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer fried chicken is cooked through?+
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Fried Chicken should reach 74°C / 165°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer fried chicken serve?+
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Can I use boneless chicken?+
Yes. Boneless thighs take about 14-16 minutes at the same temperature. Still check 74°C / 165°F.