KFC style air fryer chicken

Step 1/4

• ½ whole chicken
• ½ l water
• 50 g salt

• cutting board
• knife
• liquid measuring cup
• bowl (large)
• plastic wrap

Break down chicken into breast, thigh, wings, and drumsticks if it is not already cut. Mix water and salt in a measuring cup for an easy brine. Once the salt is mostly dissolved, place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Cover until submerged with brine and wrap with plastic wrap. Let it sit for approx. 1 hr. in the fridge.

Step 2/4

• 200 g flour
• ½ tbsp starch
• ½ tbsp smoked paprika powder
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• salt
• 225 ml buttermilk
• 1 eggs

• paper towels
• bowl (large)
• bowl (large)
• baking sheet

Drain and pat dry chicken. For breading, mix flour, starch, smoked paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl whisk buttermilk and eggs. Season with salt. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mix and set aside on a baking sheet.

Step 3/4

Add some (3 tbsp) of the buttermilk mix to the flour mix and whisk until it's a mix of fine flour and small chunks. Use one hand to dip chicken in buttermilk mix, drip off, and toss in flour mix with the other hand until fully coated and shaggy looking. Chunky pieces will end up as crispy crusts. Return dredged pieces to the baking sheet and let sit for approx. 10 min. for coating to stick well.

Step 4/4

• vegetable oil (for coating)
• lemon (for serving)

• air fryer (6.2 l)
• pastry brush

Heat up air fryer to 200°C/400°F or the recommended heat setting for chicken. Cook for approx. 20 min. in a few batches depending on the basket size. Halfway through time, flip chicken pieces and brush with oil, and continue frying. Take out to a rack once done and serve with the dip of your choice.

Enjoy your meal!