Discover the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with this Soy-Free Air Fryer Crispy Chicken recipe! Perfectly seasoned bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in creamy buttermilk for tender juiciness, then coated in a cornstarch-infused flour mixture featuring garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for bold flavor and an irresistibly crispy crust. Using an air fryer means youβll enjoy all the crunch without the excess oil, making this a healthier twist on fried chicken. Ready in just 45 minutes and free of soy-based ingredients, this easy-to-follow recipe is an excellent choice for allergy-friendly or clean eating meals. Serve straight from the air fryer with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing dish thatβs perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Place them in a large bowl.
Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Preheat your air fryer to 375Β°F (190Β°C) for about 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating on all sides. Lightly shake off any excess flour.
Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd; you might need to cook in batches.
Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with olive oil spray to ensure they become crispy.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 15 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and carefully flip each piece. Lightly spray the new tops with olive oil spray.
Continue to air fry for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C) and is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the crispy chicken hot with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Calories |
1994 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.9 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 513 mg | 171% | |
| Sodium | 3119 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.8 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 129.5 g | 259% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1678 mg | 36% | |
*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.