Get ready to savor the ultimate Dairy-Free Crispy Air Fried Chicken, a healthier take on a comfort-food classic that's perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or excess oil. This dish pairs juicy, marinated chicken thighs with a crunchy, golden coating made with a clever dairy-free buttermilk substitute and a blend of bold spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Air-fried to perfection, this recipe delivers all the irresistible crispiness you love without deep frying, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Quick and easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes in the air fryer, it's ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors in every bite!
In a bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk substitute.
Meanwhile, in a separate shallow dish, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the buttermilk substitute and ensure each piece is well coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
In a separate dish, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together.
Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off before dredging it in the flour and cornstarch blend. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil spray. Be careful not to oversaturate as this may affect crispiness.
Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then turn the chicken pieces over and spray again lightly with olive oil.
Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, dairy-free air fried chicken!
Calories |
1475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.0 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 2859 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.8 g | ||
| Protein | 119.1 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 488 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1313 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.