Fried Chicken (Air Fryer Style!)

Air Fryer Pasture-Raised Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of pasture-raised chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• Cooking spray or olive oil in a spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the pasture-raised chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure they are fully coated.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best results) to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
   • Coat the chicken evenly with the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
   • Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
   • Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or use an olive oil spray bottle to achieve a crispy texture.
5. Cooking Time:
   • Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.
   • The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the pasture-raised fried chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs or your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and guilt-free pasture-raised fried chicken straight from the air fryer!