Why settle for the usual when you can spice things up? These KFC-style chicken legs not only boast that irresistible crispy texture but come with a Chinese spice twist. Think of it as the Colonel meeting the Dragon—east meets west in your air fryer, delivering flavor-packed crispy chicken that’s anything but ordinary.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make crispy, KFC-style chicken legs in your air fryer. Get that signature crunch without deep frying! I’ll cover the perfect marinade, seasoning blend, and air frying technique to achieve the ultimate fried chicken experience at home.
Key Takeaways
- Achieve the signature KFC crunch with an air fryer
- Marinate the chicken legs in buttermilk for extra juiciness
- Use a blend of spices, including Chinese five-spice powder, for a flavor twist
- Air fry the chicken legs to crispy perfection
- Enjoy the best of east and west in a delicious, easy-to-make recipe
Recreating KFC’s Signature Crunch in an Air Fryer
Getting the crispy texture of KFC’s fried chicken at home can be tough. But, with the right methods, you can make that signature crunch in your air fryer. The trick is in marinating the chicken in buttermilk and using a special coating mix.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken Legs
For that irresistible crispiness, preparation is key. Start by marinating the chicken legs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Or, go for up to 24 hours for the best flavor and tenderness. This step makes the chicken juicy and well-seasoned inside.
“The secret to achieving that perfect KFC crunch in your air fryer is all about the preparation. Marinate, coat, and air fry to crispy perfection.”
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Serve 4
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour / oat flour / almond flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray (olive oil or unflavored coconut spray)
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, soak the chicken legs in buttermilk for at least one hour in the refrigerator, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Chinese five-spice, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
- Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken legs from buttermilk, shaking off excess, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Tap off excess flour.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Cook: Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken legs over, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Using Almond Flour:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 720mg
Using All-Purpose Flour:
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 720mg
Conclusion:
Featuring a savory kick from Chinese five-spice, these KFC-style chicken legs offer a delightful blend of classic Southern and intriguing Eastern flavors. Serve with your favorite sides like steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a meal that’s bursting with global appeal and homemade goodness.