👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken legs in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk (letting the excess drip off) and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Press the flour gently onto the chicken so it sticks — that’s where the crunch comes from!
4️⃣ Air Fry
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
5️⃣ Cook
Air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Check with a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the juices settle.
Serve with your favorite dips — think honey mustard, ranch, or classic BBQ sauce. 🍯
🍟 What to Serve With It
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Coleslaw for that KFC vibe.
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Crispy potato wedges or air fryer fries.
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Corn on the cob with butter and herbs.
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Biscuits or cornbread on the side.
💡 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken
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Don’t overcrowd the basket — air circulation is key.
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Spray lightly with oil before cooking for even browning.
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For extra crunch, double-dip: buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → flour again.
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Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
🧊 Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Pop in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
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Freeze: Wrap cooled pieces in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just increase cooking time by 5–8 minutes — check for 165°F internal temperature.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I skip the oil spray?
You can, but a light mist helps the coating turn golden and crispy.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to your buttermilk marinade.
❤️ Conclusion
These KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken Legs are everything you love about fried chicken — the crunch, the flavor, the satisfaction — with none of the mess or extra oil. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, ready to impress on any day of the week.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see it!
Leave a comment below, share your crispy creation on Pinterest, and don’t forget to tag me — because golden, crunchy chicken deserves to be shown off! 🍗📸
And if you’re craving more air fryer goodness, try these next:
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
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Cajun Air Fryer Potato Wedges
🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 260
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Protein: 26g
