Name: Easy Southern Fried Chicken In Air Fryer (KFC Chicken Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs chicken thighs & drumsticks; 1 egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 tbsp thyme; 1/2 tbsp oregano; 2/3 tbsp celery salt; 1/2 tbsp black pepper; 1/2 tbsp white pepper; 1/2 tbsp salt; 1 tbsp paprika; 2 tbsp garlic salt; 1/2 tbsp ginger; 1 tbsp mustard powder; 2 tsp MSG (optional); Spray oil

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If you’ve been hunting for the secret to crispy fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying, this easy southern fried chicken in the air fryer is about to become your new go-to recipe. Juicy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer and tender air fry chicken thighs get coated in a flavorful, KFC-inspired seasoning mix, then cooked until crunchy and golden. Think classic southern fried chicken in the air fryer but quick, simple, and still downright delicious.

This isn’t just any fried chicken, it’s a true comfort food shortcut. The bold blend of paprika, garlic salt, mustard powder, and white pepper gives you that iconic KFC chicken recipe flavor at home, while the air fryer takes care of the crispiness with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts, this is a quick and easy fried chicken method that proves you don’t need a deep fryer to get that irresistible crunch.

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Table of Contents

Why This Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Works

The seasoning mix is unbeatable: Inspired by the original Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, this blend combines paprika, garlic salt, mustard powder, and a touch of MSG for a crave-worthy flavor.
Air frying is fuss-free: You’ll enjoy the crispiness of traditional fried chicken without hovering over hot oil. Perfect for quick meals and mess-free cooking.
Egg and milk wash magic: This helps the coating stick so you get that classic crunch on every piece.
Spray oil trick: Spritzing the chicken ensures the flour crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving that signature crispy fried chicken finish.
Works with thighs and drumsticks: Whether you love air fry chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, both cook up juicy and flavorful.

Method:

Step 1: Prep the seasoning flour

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, thyme, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, white pepper, salt, paprika, garlic salt, ginger, mustard powder, and MSG. Stir well so your coating tastes just like a homemade easy KFC recipe.

mix together the seasoned flour for the southern fried chicken

Step 2: Make the egg wash

In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. This simple mixture makes sure the flour sticks perfectly to the chicken.

Step 3: Set up your dipping station

Place the egg wash bowl on the left and the flour seasoning bowl on the right (reverse if you’re left-handed). This helps keep your hands clean, one hand for wet, one hand for dry, while you work.

Step 4: Coat the KFC style chicken

Dip a piece of chicken into the egg wash using your “wet hand.” Let the excess drip off, then drop it into the flour. Switch to your “dry hand” and coat it well, shaking off any extra flour. Place it on a tray or plate. Repeat with the rest of the chicken until everything is ready to cook.

Easy Southern Fried Chicken In Air Fryer (KFC Chicken Recipe)

Step 5: Air fry to perfection

Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil to help crisp the coating. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes, turning halfway if needed, until the outside is golden and the inside is fully cooked. Work in batches if your air fryer is smaller like mine.

Step 6: Optional gravy

Want the full easy Kentucky fried chicken recipe experience? Use some leftover seasoned flour to make a quick roux with butter (or drippings), whisk in chicken stock, and simmer into a rich, peppery gravy. Perfect for drizzling over your crispy chicken!

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I use this recipe for wings or chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Air fryer chicken wings will cook in about 20 minutes, while large chicken breasts may need closer to 35 minutes.

Q: Do I have to use MSG?
A: It’s optional, but it’s what gives this easy KFC recipe its strong flavour, the flavours will be more subtle without it.

Q: How do I make sure the coating is really crispy?
A: Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Space allows the hot air to circulate for that signature crispy fried chicken crunch.

Q: What’s the best spray oil to use?
A: Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil sprays work well for high-heat cooking.

Q: Can I double coat the chicken?
A: Definitely! Dip back into the egg wash and flour mix for extra thick, crunchy coating.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy again.

Q: Can this recipe be frozen?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked chicken and reheat directly in the air fryer until hot and crunchy.

Variations

Spicy southern fried chicken in the air fryer: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix.
Buttermilk style: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 4 hours before coating, classic southern flavor!
Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Extra crunchy air fryer chicken: Mix crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs into the flour.
Herby twist: Add dried parsley or sage for extra flavor depth.

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