Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Soy-Free Crispy Air Fryer Chicken recipe—an irresistible blend of tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken thighs and a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust. Free from soy yet full of flavor, this dish combines pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cornstarch to achieve ultimate crunch and a satisfying bite. Prepared in just 40 minutes, including 25 minutes of air fryer cooking, this healthier take on fried chicken is perfect for busy families or health-conscious food lovers. Ideal for serving with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, this gluten-friendly* recipe ensures everyone at the table leaves happy. *(Check flour to ensure a gluten-free blend if needed.)
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate while you prepare the flour mixture.
In another large shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off.
Dredge the chicken into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the mixture well. Shake off any excess coating.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary.
Cook the chicken in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces over.
Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray to ensure crispiness.
Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the crispy soy-free chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Calories |
2903 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.9 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.1 g | 170% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 880 mg | 293% | |
| Sodium | 3382 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.3 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 265.7 g | 531% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 469 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 3009 mg | 64% | |
*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.