13 Juicy and Delicious Chicken Straight from the Air Fryer

Air fryer chicken recipes make weeknight meals faster while still delivering crispy, juicy results. From drumsticks and wings to cutlets and meatballs, the air fryer handles it all with minimal oil. These recipes include bold flavors, sweet glazes, spicy coatings, and savory seasonings. Here are chicken dishes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and fun to serve.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of a stack of seasoned, grilled chicken drumsticks, with one drumstick partially eaten, revealing moist, cooked meat inside. A lemon wedge and herbs are visible in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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Chicken drumsticks are seasoned and air fried until the skin is golden and crispy. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crunchy exterior. Each bite is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. These drumsticks are simple, satisfying, and perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper. — Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Chicken pieces are coated and air fried for a classic fried chicken texture without deep frying. The air fryer crisps the coating while keeping the meat tender. Each bite is savory, golden, and crispy. This recipe makes an easy, flavorful twist on traditional fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

A plate of seasoned chicken wings topped with grated cheese, arranged around a bowl of white dipping sauce. — Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken wings are coated in garlic and Parmesan and air fried until crispy. The air fryer locks in flavor while creating a golden crust. Each bite is savory, cheesy, and aromatic. These wings are quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board. — Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken is seasoned in a southern-style spice blend and air fried until golden. The air fryer crisps the coating while keeping the meat juicy. Each bite is savory, flavorful, and comforting. This recipe delivers classic southern flavor in less time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are wrapped in bacon and air fried for a crispy, savory finish. The air fryer crisps the bacon while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Each bite is smoky, flavorful, and satisfying. These tenders are great as appetizers or main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken drumsticks are coated in barbecue sauce and air fried for sticky, caramelized skin. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the exterior. Each bite is smoky, tangy, and juicy. These drumsticks are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Six baked meatballs garnished with chopped parsley, each pierced with a small wooden fork, arranged on a white plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken meatballs are air fried to a golden exterior while remaining tender inside. The air fryer locks in juices for juicy, flavorful bites. Each meatball is savory, well-seasoned, and easy to serve. These are perfect for sandwiches, dipping sauces, or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Two pieces of glazed grilled chicken garnished with chopped herbs, served with white rice and broccoli on a white plate. — Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy Huli Huli sauce and air fried until caramelized. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the exterior. Each bite is sweet, savory, and aromatic. This dish is flavorful and perfect for Hawaiian-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken is seasoned with shawarma spices and air fried until golden. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy while locking in bold Middle Eastern flavors. Each bite is savory, aromatic, and flavorful. These wraps are easy to assemble and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds. — Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken is coated in a sesame glaze and air fried to a crisp finish. The air fryer keeps the meat tender while caramelizing the sauce slightly. Each bite is savory, sweet, and slightly nutty. These chicken pieces are flavorful and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Sliced breaded and fried chicken breast on a wooden board, garnished with herbs and accompanied by lemon slices. — Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Thin chicken cutlets are breaded and air fried until golden and crispy. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the coating. Each bite is tender, flavorful, and crunchy. These cutlets are simple, versatile, and quick to cook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Wings

A plate of seasoned chicken wings garnished with pickle slices, served with a cup of creamy dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Nashville Hot Wings. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken wings are coated in spicy Nashville seasoning and air fried to crispy perfection. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy while crisping the skin. Each bite is bold, spicy, and full of flavor. These wings are fiery, crunchy, and addictive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nashville Hot Wings

Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs

Crispy panko-coated chicken thighs served on a white plate with a side garnish. — Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken thighs are coated in panko breadcrumbs and air fried until golden and crispy. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crunchy exterior. Each bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying. These thighs are versatile and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs