Description
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe delivers the crispy, flavorful fried chicken you love with a healthier twist using an air fryer. Marinated in a zesty lime and spice blend and coated with a seasoned flour mixture, the chicken comes out golden and crunchy without the excess oil of traditional frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, but do not exceed 2 hours to prevent the acid from toughening the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder until uniformly combined. This mixture will create a crispy and flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then shake off any excess coating to avoid clumping.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and crisping.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness. Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Serve warm and enjoy your healthier take on Pollo Campero-style fried chicken.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours to prevent the lime juice from toughening the meat.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking promotes an even, crispy crust.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy crust without excess oil.
