1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well. Shake off any excess.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Cook: Air fry the chicken at 360°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy, golden brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to firm up.
4. Serve:
- Garnish: Serve the crispy air fryer KFC-style chicken with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob.
- Enjoy: Dive into your homemade fakeaway and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer KFC-Style Chicken:
- Chicken Choice: Bone-in, skin-on pieces are ideal for a traditional KFC-style chicken. They stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- Marination Time: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. If short on time, at least 1 hour is recommended.
- Crispy Coating: Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation, which is key to achieving a crispy coating.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings in the breading to match your taste preferences or to replicate your favorite KFC flavor more closely.
- Oil Spray: Using a light coating of cooking spray helps achieve a crispier texture and a golden finish without adding excess oil.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore the crispiness.
Enjoy your Fakeaway Saturday with this delicious and healthier take on KFC-style chicken! With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this air fryer recipe brings the beloved flavors of takeout right to your home.