Description
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe brings the crispy, flavorful experience of the classic Latin American fried chicken using a healthier air frying method. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and aromatic spices, then coated with a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, this chicken comes out golden and crispy without the excess oil of traditional frying. Perfect for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that serves 4.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 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
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 1 to 2 hours, but do not exceed 2 hours to avoid toughening the meat due to the acidic lime juice.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder until thoroughly combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture, shaking off any extra to ensure an even and light coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes to ensure proper cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes outside the air fryer. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful bite. Serve hot and enjoy your Pollo Campero-style crispy air-fried chicken.
Notes
- Do not marinate for more than 2 hours to prevent the lime juice from toughening the chicken.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding for even cooking and crispiness.
- Flipping halfway through cooking ensures an even golden crust on all sides.
- This recipe can be adjusted with spices to personal taste for more or less heat.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
