Air Fryer Cornflake Fried Chicken

Overhead view of 5 pieces of air fried chicken on a blue-gray rectangular platter at an angle with a blue napkin in the lower right a glass with beer on the bottom left.

Air Fryer Cornflake Fried Chicken

This easy and delicious Air Fryer Cornflake Fried Chicken is tender and juicy on the inside with an irresistibly crispy, golden cornflake crust on the outside, and is a better option than fried chicken.

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword air fried chicken, air fryer fried chicken, air fryer southern fried chicken

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 150kcal

Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Equipment

1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 cups buttermilk divided
1 teaspoon Smoked paprika divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
8 (bone-in) chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 cup all purpose flour
4 cups cornflakes cereal crushed

Instructions

Combine the buttermilk, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt, in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Combine the flour, remaining salt and pepper together in a shallow dish.
Add the cornflakes and remaining spices in a food processor and pulse a few times, till cornflakes are smaller, but not ground too much.
Pour the buttermilk off the chicken into a bowl. Dip the chicken in the flour, then dredge in the milk and finally in the cornflakes.
Place chicken pieces in the air fryer and spray with cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 375°. Fry for 10 minutes, flip the chicken and spray with cooking spray. Continue frying for an additional 10 to minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 165° the chicken is done. If it isn’t cooked completely, continue frying for another 5 minutes and check again.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips:

Spray the cornflake-crusted chicken with olive oil or cooking spray.
Use a meat thermometer, so the meat doesn’t overcook. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. The thermometer should read 165° when the chicken is done.
Store cooked chicken in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

Nutrition