If you’ve ever craved the irresistible crunch and bold flavors of Pollo Campero’s famous fried chicken, you’re absolutely going to love this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe. It brings together the vibrant spices and perfectly crispy skin characteristic of this beloved Latin American dish, all without the mess of deep frying. Using the air fryer, this version manages to lock in juicy tenderness while delivering a golden, crunchy crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just diving into fried chicken adventures, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your dinner table with its wonderful blend of aromatic spices and satisfying texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple with this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that authentic Pollo Campero experience. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the warm spices and the light flour coating, every element contributes to the taste, texture, and color that makes this fried chicken truly outstanding.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (2 ½ pounds): Drumsticks and thighs work best for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and adds tang for depth of flavor.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the marinade and balances the spices.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Introduces earthy, smoky notes typical in Latin cooking.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon): Provides vibrant color and gentle sweetness.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Boosts savory complexity.
- Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Layers in delicate onion aroma without moisture.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Gives a touch of herbal earthiness.
- Ground allspice (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the spice blend.
- Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle sweet-spicy hint for uniqueness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the crisp outer shell when air fried.
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray: Helps crisp the coating without excess oil.
How to Make Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, allspice, and ground cloves in a large bowl. This aromatic mixture is the heart of the Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe, tenderizing each piece and layering in that signature flavor. Once mixed, add your chicken pieces and toss until they’re thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal if you have the time to let the flavors really soak in.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer and Flour the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any extra liquid drip off – this helps the coating stick better. Dredge each piece evenly in the all-purpose flour, pressing lightly so the flour adheres well. A little tip: letting the floured chicken rest for about 10 minutes before air frying can help create an even crunchier finish.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops with olive or avocado oil to assist in browning. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving them another spraying of oil. The result is a beautifully golden, crispy crust enveloping juicy, tender meat. Use a meat thermometer to make sure each piece hits a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How to Serve Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side instantly brighten this dish. You can also add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce to enhance the Latin flair and provide contrasting flavors to the crispy chicken.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like seasoned rice and black beans complement the spices perfectly while keeping the meal comforting and hearty. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp cabbage slaw tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to offer warmth and crunch in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the chicken pieces on a large rustic platter with colorful bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and fresh lime slices. Alternatively, transform this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe into a delicious sandwich with soft buns, mayo, lettuce, and pickles for an irresistible lunch or casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover chicken tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making a perfect quick meal or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken by placing pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen properly, the chicken can keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this crispy chicken is in the air fryer or conventional oven to help maintain that delightful crunch. Heat at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes or until warmed through, avoiding soggy microwave reheats.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe?
While bone-in, skin-on pieces are preferred for juiciness and flavor, you can use boneless chicken. Keep in mind boneless pieces may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easily adaptable! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing the crispy coating.
Can I make this chicken spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the marinade to give your Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe a spicy kick that’s just right for your taste buds.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem. You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in your marinade.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The safest and most foolproof method is to measure the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F for juicy, fully cooked chicken with that perfect crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the festive, bold flavors of Latin American fried chicken into your home with ease and less oil. It’s a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious new family favorite that you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic Latin American fried chicken using an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Marinated in a blend of buttermilk, lime juice, and aromatic spices, the chicken pieces achieve a juicy interior with a golden, crunchy crust without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray for air fryer
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for crisping the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken for Air Frying: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece evenly in the flour, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumpy coating.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive or avocado oil spray to promote browning. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time and spraying again with oil to maintain crispiness. Chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy Pollo Campero-style air fryer fried chicken.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy coating, let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes before air frying to help the flour adhere better.
- You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if lime is unavailable or preferred.
- To add heat, include cayenne pepper in the marinade according to your spice tolerance.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
- Ensure pieces are spaced in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for maximum crispiness.
