Air Fryer Spicy Fried Chicken

Today on the blog, we’re sharing a recipe for Air Fryer Spicy Fried Chicken! This chicken is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect dish to make for a weeknight dinner or to serve at a special occasion.

We are big spice lovers in our house, so this chicken is right up our alley. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe for fried chicken, be sure to give this one a try. We think you’ll love it!

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks: I used chicken drumsticks as they cook evenly and are very juicy.
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is perfect for giving this dish a little bit of heat.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a must in my kitchen, it add so much flavor to food.
• Black pepper: Black pepper adds to the heat of the dish.
• Salt: I like to use kosher salt when cooking.
• Milk: You can use milk and lemon juice or regular buttermilk.
• Lemon juice: This turns regular/ plant based milk into buttermilk.
• Eggs: The eggs help the flour to stick to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: This will create an extra crispy outer layer.
• Spray oil: You’ll need this to coat the chicken before placing it in the air fryer.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and lemon juice. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat evenly with the mixture.

4. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, making sure to coat evenly.

5. Then place the chicken again in the egg mixture, making sure to coat evenly.

6. Then finally in the flour mixture for the last time.

7. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray heavy handedly with oil. Making sure that every part of the chicken is covered.

7. Air fry for 20-22 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Recipe tips:

-If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake this chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

-To make this recipe gluten free, simply use gluten free flour instead of all purpose flour.

-This recipe can also be made with chicken breasts or thighs. If using chicken breasts or thighs, cook time will be increased by a few minutes.

Substitutions

-Dairy free milk: any dairy free milk will work in this recipe. We like to use almond milk or oat milk.

-Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg free option, you can substitute the eggs for flax eggs. To make flax eggs, mix together 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water. Let sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

-Flour: All purpose flour can be substituted for gluten free flour, whole wheat flour or almond flour.

-Cayenne pepper: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the cayenne pepper and the chicken will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use Costco chicken bake for the air fryer?

Costco chicken bake is already cooked so you would just need to heat it up in the air fryer. We would recommend heating it up at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

How long do I cook pre-cooked chicken in the air fryer?

If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, you’ll only need to cook it for a few minutes in the air fryer. We would recommend cooking it at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts or thighs?

Yes, you can! If using chicken breasts or thighs, cook time will be increased by a few minutes. We would recommend cooking them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

How can I make this recipe gluten free?

To make this recipe gluten free, simply use gluten free flour instead of all purpose flour. You can find gluten free flour at most grocery stores in the baking aisle.

What should I serve this chicken with?

This chicken is delicious served with your favorite dipping sauce. We also like to serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and then cook it when you’re ready to eat. We would recommend cooking it within 24 hours for the best results.

Can I turn this into air fryer chicken lollipop?

Yes just slice the chicken skin at the neck and carefully remove it. take the meat and form it around the lollipop stick. make sure to completely cover the meat with flour mixture. Fry as directed in recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend cooking it until it’s slightly golden brown on the outside.

What kind of milk can I use in this recipe?

Any type of milk will work in this recipe. We like to use almond milk or oat milk, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Can I omit the cayenne pepper?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of spice you can omit the cayenne pepper. The chicken will still be delicious!

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s also great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. We hope you enjoy it!