The minute I bought an air fryer, the first thing I thought of making was fried chicken. I love fried chicken. Seriously, who doesn’t? But what I don’t love is making it. It’s messy, it splatters, and after you have a ton of grease you have to figure out what to do with (my grandma always had the stove top coffee can where she kept her grease, but seriously, who uses coffee cans anymore? I don’t think I can fit much oil in my Keurig K-cups).
I tried my hand at many an air fryer “fried” chicken recipe and searched online and in my cookbooks, but what I always found was chicken made with breading. Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers or corn flakes. And though they are all good and tasty, that’s not what I have in mind when I am craving fried chicken. What I think of is Southern Fried Chicken. The kind with the egg and buttermilk and flour dredge that is packed with flavor and spices. Juicy int he middle and crispy and crunchy on the outside. I had come to believe that that was an impossible feet in the air fryer. My hopes were dashed that you couldn’t use a real batter in the air fryer. Boy was I mistaken.
After a few tests and some research and failed attempts, I finally found a way to use the traditional method, but with a few tricks I made it work for the air fryer. No dry flour coating or overcooked chicken. If you follow my 4 steps you will have perfect Southern Fried Chicken that you would swear came from a deep fryer!
This recipe also uses Adobo. here is my Video on making a Copycat Adobo and Goya brand seasoning from scratch.
Instant Air Fryer Southern “Fried” Chicken
recipe by Lana Horruitiner-Perez
- 12 Chicken Drumsticks (you can use any mix of chicken parts)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 – 2 Tbl Adobo (or any seasoning you like)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tbl Milk
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Flour
- 1/4 cups Corn Starch
- 1 Tbl Onion Powder
- 1 Tbl Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tbl Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Lawry Salt
**For the seasoning mixture, you can use whatever seasoning you like for your fried chicken. You can also add Cayenne Pepper for some heat or add Tabasco in the Egg wash. Just make sure you add enough seasoning.**
Equipment:
Olive Oil Spray
Place Chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp Salt and 1 – 2 Tbl Adobo. Toss well and set aside. 
In a small bowl mix together 1 Tbl Onion Powder, 1 Tbl Garlic Powder, 1/2 Tbl paprika, 2 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tsp Lawry Salt. Set Aside.
In a bowl whisk together 2 Eggs and 2 Tbl Milk. Then add 1 heaping tsp of the Seasoning Mixture you just made. Whisk together and set aside.
In a larger bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cup Flour, 1/4 cup Corn Starch, and the rest of the Seasoning Mixture. 
Place a baking rack on a baking sheet and then set up the Flour and Egg Mixture next to it.
Take one piece of Chicken and roll it in the Flour Mixture. Pat off any extra and place straight into the Egg Mixture. Roll around to coat and then place on the baking rack. Continue with the rest of the Chicken pieces.
Once all the Chicken has been coated in Egg Wash, take one piece at a time and dredge in the Flour Mixture again. (It’s important to whisk the Flour Mixture to redistribute the seasoning.) Pat off any extra and place back on the baking rack.
Now the most important part of the whole recipe that makes it work in the air fryer is to allow the Chicken to rest for at least 15 mins. If you wait even longer, the more the Flour will absorb the Egg Wash and allow the Chicken to brown. (The reason you allow it to sit, is because Flour is very dry. Dry ingredients do not brown in the air fryer, so without some sort of moisture, the Flour will not brown and you will get powdered Chicken.)
On the left is before it sat for 15 mins and the right is after.
If there are any dry patches of Flour, use the Olive Oil Sprayer or Olive Oil Pam, and lightly spray the Flour. You can also take a paper towel and dip it in the Egg Mixture. Dab the spots of Flour to moisten. 
Instant Omni/Omni Plus:
Place the black tray on the bottom and the baking rack in the middle position. Press “AIR FRY” and adjust Temperature to 380° F and the Time to 25 mins. Press “START”.
Instant Vortex Plus:
Place the drip tray on the bottom. Don’t place the slotted trays inside while preheating. Press “AIR FRY” and adjust Temperature to 380° F and Time to 25 mins.
Once the Air Fryer Oven beeps, add Chicken. (At 9 mins left, flip chicken and check the temperature with a thermometer. Cook for a few minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 170° F)
Remove and serve. Buen Provecho!
Instant Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Air Fryer Oven
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbl Adobo
- 1½ cup flour
- ¼ cup corn starch
- 1 Tbl Onion Powder
- 1 Tbl Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tbl paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Lawry Salt
- 2 egg
- 2 Tbl milk
Instructions
- Place Chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp Salt and 1 – 2 Tbl Adobo. Toss well and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix together 1 Tbl Onion Powder, 1 Tbl Garlic Powder, 1/2 Tbl paprika, 2 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tsp Lawry Salt. Set Aside.
- In a bowl whisk together 2 Eggs and 2 Tbl Milk. Then add 1 heaping tsp of the Seasoning Mixture you just made. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cup Flour, 1/4 cup Corn Starch, and the rest of the Seasoning Mixture.
- Place a baking rack on a baking sheet and then set up the Flour and Egg Mixture next to it.Take one piece of Chicken and roll it in the Flour Mixture. Pat off any extra and place straight into the Egg Mixture. Roll around to coat and then place on the baking rack. Continue with the rest of the Chicken pieces.
- Once all the Chicken has been coated in Egg Wash, take one piece at a time and dredge in the Flour Mixture again. (It’s important to whisk the Flour Mixture to redistribute the seasoning.) Pat off any extra and place back on the baking rack.
- Now the most important part of the whole recipe that makes it work in the air fryer is to allow the Chicken to rest for at least 15 mins. If you wait even longer, the more the Flour will absorb the Egg Wash and allow the Chicken to brown. (The reason you allow it to sit, is because Flour is very dry. Dry ingredients do not brown in the air fryer, so without some sort of moisture, the Flour will not brown and you will get powdered Chicken.)
- If there are any dry patches of Flour, use the Olive Oil Sprayer or Olive Oil Pam, and lightly spray the Flour. You can also take a paper towel and dip it in the Egg Mixture. Dab the spots of Flour to moisten.
- Place the black tray on the bottom and the baking rack in the middle position. Press “AIR FRY” and adjust Temperature to 380° F and the Time to 25 mins. Press “START”.
- Once the Air Fryer Oven beeps, add Chicken. (At 9 mins left, flip chicken and check the temperature with a thermometer. Cook for a few minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 170° F)Remove and serve. Buen Provecho!
I used skinless chicken breasts. The next day the leftovers made great cold sandwiches! Thank you so much. Would never have thought I would have “fried chicken” again since I am on meds for high cholesterol.
Oh I’m so glad! It’s great with chicken breasts and I love it even better the next day. Glad you enjoyed it!
Really yummy!
This came out PERFECT! I did a few tweaks (brined the chicken ahead and added a spicy rub after to give it a touch of hot chicken flavor) but generally followed yours and it was juicy and crispy and amazing. Fiance said it was better than any homemade fried chicken he’s ever had– we’re talking fancy restaurant levels of good flavor. My only issue is the darn omni’s air fryer basket was a MESS afterwards– no matter how much I spray it with oil ahead, breading always sticks. But I just found a non-slip mesh liner that I’m going to… Read more »
Oh boy I’m so glad you both liked it! I usually nene my chicken too but I wanted to keep this recipe simple for readers. But I agree, brining always helps. I have the palette of a baby when it comes to spice, but I bet my kids would love the added heat. As for the basket, yeah it’s pretty messy but I usually soak a bit then use a produce brush and that works best.
lol – yes, a baby who paints!
Ha!
Good morning! I watched your video and it stated you’d put the times to cook other pieces of chicken (white meat, etc.) but I don’t see that. I’m specifically looking for thighs, as I plan on cooking thighs and drumsticks tonight for dinner. 🙂 Thank you!!
Hi. Thighs will cook for the same time as drumsticks. But with chicken, they come in all sizes so you should always test temperatures. Hope this helps.
I used boneless, skinless thighs. This is the first time I’ve used the air fryer (for anything). The chicken came out great, but it was oversalted. Darn that Johnny’s. I’ll play with the seasoning some more, but I’m thrilled.
I’m making french fries, now. This is fun!
That's exactly my thought tonight… I'll delete the extra salt and the lowry's salt and try again. The thighs were perfect and I never missed the skin with this coating….It was good…just the salt.. blahhhhh TTFN, I'm going to go drink another gallon of water.
Everyone has different tolerances. You have to adjust to your tastes. 🙂
The receipt says that’s it’s for an instant pot air fryer but that is not what was used in the video at all. Oh, well. I will find a different receipt to try.
It’s exactly what was used in the video. I used the Instant Omni Air Fryer Oven. But you can convert it to any air fryer, including the basket style.
Do I cook it for the same amount.of time if I am using a Mealthy Air Fryer lid?
Oooo great question! Yes, you do. Just check it and maybe turn it earlier. I actuality haven’t used the lid for it yet, but a few people have and that was their feedback.
It clearly is an IP Air Fryer in the video. You can even see it in the still above. Maybe you are thinking of the IP Air Fryer lid? Concept is still the same. Thanks for the great recipe and guidance, Lana!
You are so welcome! Stay safe and happy cooking.
Just tried this, with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, it turned out perfect! Thank you so much, I will be trying this again for sure!
Oh wow, that’s awesome! I’ll have to add that to the recipe to let people know. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I can not wait to try this recipe out
I really hope you like it. It’s one of my family’s favorites. Happy cooking and stay safe.
Thankyou so much. I am so happy with this recipe.
You are so welcome!
LANA you did it AGAIN. My husband is picky, he does not like anything. I was just going to bake him chicken breasts tonight and he suddenly piped up he wanted “Fried Chicken”. Well I have had NO luck with the Omni for Air Frying so I went to your site immediately to see what you had. I only made two pieces since my husband is so fussy. He cut into the first piece and said “This is really good”. I just cooked up two more pieces. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I love the video. I watched it… Read more »
Oh wow that makes me so happy! I am so glad your hubby liked it and that my video was helpful. You made my morning! 😁 Stay safe and happy cooking.❤
Do you think it would work if the chicken parts were frozen? I’ve been reading where you can cook from frozen in the instapot. That might throw off the moisture to flour ratio you’re talking about, but maybe it’s possible?
Hi. Great question. The Instant Pot abs the Instant Air Fryer are super fifteenth. With an Instant pot, cooking from frozen is one of the great things about it. But this is the air fryer so it actually wouldn’t work from frozen because it would burn before it got cooked through.
Used Instant Vortex Plus. Followed recipe. Checked the meat at 19 minutes. Looked good. Put it in for three more minutes meat was dry. If it were cooked for three additional minutes to reach the recommended 25 minutes, it would have been inedible.
Oh no, sorry that happened. I say in the recipe to check the temp because anytime you are cooking meat and following any recipe, the time is based on the size. That’s why I put in red to cook until internal temp reaches 170. If your chicken was smaller or at a warmer temp when placed in the oven, that will change how long it will take.
I’ve made your fried chicken several times now. I’ve tried subbing milk with almond and soy milk, and it always comes out great. Thank you Lana!!!!
Oh wow what a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Happy cooking and stay safe!
What about boneless skinless chicken breasts? What would the cook time be?
I had to come back one more time. I made this last night- again, this time with boneless skinless chicken breasts. My husband the most picky and critical eater in the world. Said out loud- THIS IS THE BEST CHICKEN EVER! This recipe is such a home run. For anyone who is thinking of trying it- DO IT. Thank you Lana.
I am making this recipe for the first time today. I read wrong and double dipped my chicken in the flour mixture. I’m also cooking thighs, legs and breasts. So I’m hoping it comes out good. Can’t wait to see.
I think it should be fine with double dipping. Extra crispy. Just make sure you let it sit to really soak up the egg abd then spray any dry spots. Let me know how it comes out. 🙂
After getting a Vortex Oven and Omni, had to make fried chicken! Thanks for the video and detailed instructions! Loved it and will make it again! I used the Omni and cleaned up with Dawn PowerWash on the rack and drip tray, and it was so easy that I will definitely make this again!
Yay I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your lovely comments and happy cooking. 🙂
Do put the chicken on the wire rack in the center of the oven?
Yes 🙂
I found a 10 x 14 wire rack on amazon. will it work in the omni plus?
Sounds so good! I have the Instant Vortex Mini (basket style) – inside tray is 6.58” square. I’m thinking, by batching, I could do a half recipe. I love thighs and am okay with bone-in or boneless. Any changes to the recipe needed?
I brined my boneless chicken breast tenders with pickle juice for an hour first.Then made the chicken according to the recipe minus the milk with the eggs. I didn't have a mister for olive oil either so used Pam It tasted very good, but they were a little dry. There was a lot of dishes to clean up along with the Omni air fryer after which was a bit of a pain. The seasoning was good, not too hot but with a kick.
Great idea to use the pickle juice brine. I love that idea. Thanks for the suggestion.
This is what a cooking site should be like, clear, concise and delivered in a confident manner with easy to find recipes, my go to site for air fryer cooking, well done.
Oh wow, thank you so very much. That means a lot. 🙂
Your recipe is spot on! Delicious! Thank you! One of my husband's favorite restaurants sprinkles kosher salt on immediately after frying their chicken, so I added that one touch.
Greta idea! I usually sprinkle salt on anything I fry so it makes sense to do the same in an air fryer. 🙂
I made chicken thighs last night and wanted to come here and thank you for the recipe and your YouTube videos about the vortex plus! The chicken came out great! I turned it at 10 minutes and cooked it for about another 8-10. Also, I purchased my vortex plus 2 days ago and if I hadn’t found your wonderful instructional videos I would be totally lost. I’ve had an instantpot for a couple of years and was thinking I’d get rid of it because I’d only used it a handful of times. Before I give it away I think I’ll… Read more »
Omg you made my whole day! Thank you so much and I'm so glad you enjoy my recipes and my videos. Happy cooking and stay safe. 🥰