Can Fried Chicken really be healthy? I mean, it really depends on who you ask. If you’re craving that salty crispy skin covered chicken but want to avoid all the calories and hassle of the buttermilk and flour, then this recipe is for you!

With only three ingredients, it makes a quick, easy weeknight dinner. Throw a salad or a vegetable or two alongside this entree, and you’ve got a solid meal that your whole family will love. (Yes, my son loves this chicken!)

What you will need:

Sheet pan or basket for air fryer

Cooking spray

Paper towels

Chicken Thighs – I prefer to use thighs for this recipe. I have never tried it with other parts, so if you do, let me know in the comments how it turns out.

Seasoning – I just use salt and pepper, but you can season with whatever you like.

Butter – real butter 🧈

Heat up your air fryer

Now my oven has a built-in air fryer. If you are using an in oven air fryer, you want to go ahead and heat that baby up. Turn it on to 400 degrees.

If you are using a countertop air fryer with a basket, follow the instructions for typical use if you should preheat the machine or not.

Prepare the Chicken

Pull your chicken out of the package and pat it down with paper towels. The chicken will make its own juices during the cooking, plus the melted butter, so getting rid of that extra moisture helps ensure your chicken is actually frying and not boiling because there is too much liquid.

Ready, Set, Butter

With a small knife, take a small slice of butter and place it under the chicken skin.

Next, place the chicken on the sheet pan, put a small slice of butter on top of the skin, and add your seasoning.

Pop those chickies in fryer and cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown or until the temperature reaches 165 degrees.

I usually just go by how brown my thighs look, but if you are a stickler for meat temperatures for safety, then put a meat thermometer in and look for a reading of 165 degrees.

Enjoy!

Take it out of the oven and serve with a salad or some vegetables. Viola! Dinner is served!

Can I store uneaten chicken for leftovers?

Yes! Put your chicken in an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for three to four days.

How do I reheat air fried chicken?

Preheat your over to 400 degrees. Place the chicken on a sheet pan and cover with aluminum foil. Leave in over for approximately 15 minutes. Do not uncover as you risk burning the brown crispy skin.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this recipe or if you tried any variations. I want to know how they turned out!