Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (950ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 pounds (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and/or wings preferred)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornstarch (helps with crispness)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) paprika
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano
  • Cooking spray (high heat, such as avocado or canola oil)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
  4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the breading adheres. Repeat the dredging process for a thicker, crispier coating (double-dredging).
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Spray the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and spray again with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
  7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving your air fryer southern fried chicken.