Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking across America, making it easier to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with less oil and effort. In this collection of 40 air fryer chicken recipes, you’ll discover a variety of delicious options — from crispy fried favorites to bold, globally-inspired flavors. Every recipe uses simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and is perfect for busy families or anyone craving a quick, healthier meal.
Let’s get cooking with these must-try air fryer chicken dishes!

1. Classic Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.

2. Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

4. Spray lightly with olive oil.

5. Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

2. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings

• ½ cup buffalo sauce

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

2. Season wings with garlic powder.

3. Air fry for 25 minutes, shaking halfway.

4. Toss cooked wings with melted butter and buffalo sauce before serving.

3. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

2. Place in air fryer basket at 370°F.

3. Cook for 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

4. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Dredge tenders in flour, dip in egg, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.

2. Lightly spray with oil.

3. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.

5. BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 20 minutes.

3. Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes.

6. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken in egg, then in a mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.

2. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through.

7. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken cubes in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

3. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

8. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken in melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking once.

9. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix honey and mustard to form a sauce.

2. Brush chicken breasts with sauce.

3. Air fry at 370°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with more sauce.

10. Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub drumsticks with oil and seasonings.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, turning once.

11. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning

• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced chicken with oil and spices.

2. Air fry at 390°F for 12-14 minutes.

3. Serve with pita bread, hummus, and vegetables.

12. Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Coat wings with olive oil and ranch seasoning.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

13. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded thin

• ½ cup flour

• 1 egg, beaten

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 brioche buns

• Lettuce, tomato, and mayo

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, and bread with breadcrumbs.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes.

3. Assemble sandwiches with toppings.

14. Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in chili and soy sauce for 30 minutes.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

15. Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.

2. Air fry at 370°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway.

16. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken and peppers with olive oil and fajita seasoning.

2. Place mixture in air fryer basket.

3. Cook at 390°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

17. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with Honey Garlic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season drumsticks with salt and pepper.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. In a small pan, heat honey, soy sauce, and garlic until slightly thickened.

4. Brush drumsticks with glaze and serve.

18. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

• ½ cup buffalo sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken bites with olive oil.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.

3. Toss with buffalo sauce and serve immediately.

19. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with olive oil and spices.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

20. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.

2. Form into small nugget shapes.

3. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

21. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ½ cup marinara sauce

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.

2. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.

3. Top with marinara and cheeses, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

22. Air Fryer Chicken Satay

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, and curry powder for 1 hour.

2. Thread onto skewers.

3. Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once.

23. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub drumsticks with oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes.

3. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook 5 more minutes.

24. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder for 30 minutes.

2. Skewer and air fry at 390°F for 12–14 minutes, turning once.

25. Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ½ cup flour

• 1 egg, beaten

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken in buttermilk, dredge in flour, then egg, then flour again.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 18 minutes.

3. Mix cayenne, sugar, and paprika with melted butter and brush over chicken after cooking.

26. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shredded cooked chicken

• ½ cup shredded cheese

• 8 small tortillas

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken, cheese, and spices.

2. Roll into tortillas and secure with toothpicks.

3. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, turning once.

27. Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• ½ cup orange marmalade

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Air fry chicken at 380°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.

2. Heat marmalade, soy sauce, and vinegar; toss chicken in sauce before serving.

28. Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon salsa

Instructions:

1. Spread chicken, cheese, and salsa on one tortilla.

2. Top with another tortilla.

3. Air fry at 370°F for 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy.

29. Air Fryer Chicken Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and form into patties.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

30. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients and roll into meatballs.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once.

31. Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken thighs

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup flour

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 frozen waffles

• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes.

2. Coat with flour mixed with paprika.

3. Air fry chicken at 380°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Toast waffles in air fryer for the last 2 minutes.

5. Serve together with maple syrup.

32. Air Fryer Chicken Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• 8 spring roll wrappers

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken and cabbage with soy sauce and sesame oil.

2. Roll mixture into spring roll wrappers.

3. Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

33. Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced

• 1 cup cooked pasta

• ½ cup Alfredo sauce

• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce.

2. Place in an air fryer-safe dish.

3. Top with mozzarella and air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

34. Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• ½ cup shredded coconut

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken tenders in egg, then breadcrumb and coconut mix.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.

35. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with teriyaki sauce.

2. Air fry at 390°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway.

3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

36. Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Air fry at 380°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

37. Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Wraps

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced

• 4 tortillas

• ½ cup Caesar dressing

• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with dressing and Parmesan.

2. Fill tortillas with lettuce and chicken mixture.

3. Roll and air fry at 370°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp.

38. Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken wings

• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Coat wings with olive oil and jerk seasoning.

2. Air fry at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, shaking halfway.

39. Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded chicken

• ½ cup enchilada sauce

• 4 small tortillas

• ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Roll chicken and sauce into tortillas.

2. Place in air fryer-safe dish, top with cheese.

3. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

40. Air Fryer Chicken Piccata

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ¼ cup flour

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons capers

Instructions:

1. Dredge chicken lightly in flour.

2. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle capers before serving.