Soy-Free Crispy Airfried Chicken

Get ready to savor the crunch of perfectly golden, Soy-Free Crispy Airfried Chicken—an irresistible, healthier twist on a comfort food classic! This recipe uses a tangy buttermilk marinade (made with apple cider vinegar) to tenderize chicken drumsticks or thighs, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites. A seasoned flour coating, boosted with cornstarch and aromatic spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder, creates a crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying. Prepared in an air fryer, this recipe is a guilt-free way to enjoy fried chicken without soy-based ingredients or excessive oil. Quick to prep and cook in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve alongside your favorite sides or dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing, soy-free delight that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0 as needed Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and apple cider vinegar. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 2

Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for up to 4 hours.

Step 3

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating them thoroughly.

Step 5

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Place the dredged chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 7

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray. This will help in achieving a golden, crispy texture.

Step 8

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve the soy-free crispy airfried chicken with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1692.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3036.3

Total Fat 121.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1142.8mg	0%
Sodium 3918.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 294.4g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 468.4mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 3378.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.1%

Protein: 39.0%

Carbs: 24.9%