# Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Healthy
If you’re craving crispy, flavorful chicken with a spicy kick but want to keep things healthier and less messy, this **air fryer chicken** recipe is perfect for you. Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy that deep-fried texture without the excess oil, making it a guilt-free treat. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple yet delicious **air fryer spicy chicken recipe** that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you want a tasty meal.
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## Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a quick, convenient, and healthier way to prepare fried foods. Here’s why you should consider making your spicy chicken in an air fryer:
– **Less Oil, Less Guilt:** Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring significantly less oil than traditional frying.
– **Crispy Texture:** Achieve that golden, crispy exterior without deep frying.
– **Fast Cooking:** Air fryer chicken cooks faster than baking or pan-frying.
– **Easy Cleanup:** No greasy splatters or large oil disposal hassles.
– **Versatile:** You can customize spices and coatings easily to suit your taste.
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## Ingredients for Air Fryer Spicy Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe makes about 4 servings.
### Ingredients:
– 1.5 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts cut into strips)
– 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice level)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking spray or olive oil spray
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## How to Make Air Fryer Spicy Chicken
Follow these easy steps to create crispy, spicy air fryer chicken that everyone will love.
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
### Step 2: Prepare the Spice Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
### Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Shake off any extra flour.
### Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for a crispy crust.
### Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and spray again. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
### Step 6: Serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce.
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## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
– **Don’t overcrowd the basket:** Air needs to circulate around the chicken for even crisping.
– **Use a meat thermometer:** To ensure chicken is cooked safely, check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
– **Adjust spice level:** Increase or decrease cayenne and hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
– **Double coating:** For extra crunch, dip chicken back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again before air frying.
– **Rotate the basket:** If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket, shake or turn the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
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## FAQ About Air Fryer Chicken
### Q1: Can I use frozen chicken in the air fryer?
While fresh chicken is best for even cooking, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. However, you’ll need to increase cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. For breaded spicy chicken, it’s best to thaw before coating.
### Q2: Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks or thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts can be cut into strips or nuggets and work well with this recipe. Just be mindful that breasts cook faster and can dry out, so monitor cooking times closely.
### Q3: Is air fryer chicken healthier than deep-fried chicken?
Absolutely. Air fryer chicken uses significantly less oil, cutting down on calories and fat while still delivering that crispy texture.
### Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour to keep it gluten-free and delicious.
### Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
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## Conclusion
This **air fryer chicken** spicy recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the mess and extra calories of traditional frying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that satisfies your cravings and supports healthier eating habits. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ready to try it? Grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, crispiness, and juiciness in every bite!
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### Looking for more air fryer recipes?
Check out our blog for more delicious **air fryer chicken** recipes and tips to make your meals healthier and tastier!