Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
Coat the chicken with a blend of flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a well-seasoned crust.
For extra crispiness, combine flour with panko breadcrumbs. This adds texture and crunch to the chicken without deep frying.
Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking and crisping.
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with oil before placing it in the air fryer basket. This ensures a golden, crispy finish.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure an even crispy coating. Check the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.