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
Scale
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.
