Southern Fried Chicken

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1. 1Step 1: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with 1/2 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
2. 2Step 2: Pour in the beaten eggs and hot sauce. Stir well to fully coat the chicken.
3. 3Step 3: In a plastic or paper bag, combine the flour with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The flour should change color; if it's still white, it needs more seasoning and spices.
4. 4Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the bag and shake to fully coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Remove the chicken from the bag and let the breaded chicken rest on a flat surface for 10-15 minutes—this helps the crust stick better when it hits the oil.
5. 5Step 5: Use a heavy bottomed pot or pan frying at medium heat on the stove. Heat 1-2 inches of oil to 350 degrees. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady—it's key for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
6. 6Step 6: Carefully add a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry large, bone-in pieces first and for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature on the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Between batches, check the temperature of your oil and ensure it's at 350 degrees before frying the next batch. Small bone-in pieces like wings and drumettes will fry in 7-10 minutes.
7. 7Step 7: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool and crisp up. Avoid paper towels—they trap steam and soften the crust.
8. 8Step 8: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Spray or brush both sides of the breaded chicken with a light coating of oil (like avocado or olive oil). This is key to getting that golden, crispy crust in the air fryer.
9. 9Step 9: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in one layer with space between each piece. Don't overcrowd—it needs air to circulate and crisp up.
10. 10Step 10: Air fry at 400 degrees: Bone-in pieces: 22-26 minutes and Boneless pieces or wings: 12-16 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking and spray again lightly with oil to ensure even browning.