Southern Fried Chicken is made with bone-in chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, flour; air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes to serve 4. 380 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Soak chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- 2
Mix flour with all seasonings and baking powder.
- 3
Remove chicken from buttermilk. Dredge in seasoned flour, pressing firmly. Let sit 10 minutes, then dredge again for a shaggy, thick crust.
- 4
Spray generously with cooking spray. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes per side until deeply golden and internal temp reaches 165°F at the bone.
- 5
Rest 5 minutes on a wire rack so the bottom stays crispy.
Tip: The overnight buttermilk soak is what makes this special — it tenderizes the meat and adds tang. Double-dredging creates the thick, craggy crust. Resting on a wire rack prevents steam from softening the bottom.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 25 minutes vs ~45 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 380 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Southern Fried Chicken at 380°F for 25 minutes. The overnight buttermilk soak is what makes this special — it tenderizes the meat and adds tang. Double-dredging creates the thick, craggy crust. Resting on a wire rack prevents steam from softening the bottom.
You need: 8 pieces bone-in chicken (thighs and drumsticks), 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp seasoned salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp baking powder. This recipe serves 4 with 380 calories per serving.
Southern Fried Chicken takes 25 minutes total at 380°F. Rest 5 minutes on a wire rack so the bottom stays crispy.
This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 4 and takes just 25 minutes at 380°F.
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