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If you’re craving that crave-worthy, crispy, and bursting-with-flavor fried chicken, look no further than this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe. It delivers that perfect balance of zesty lime, warm spices, and irresistible crunch without the mess of traditional frying. Best of all, the air fryer ensures every bite is juicy inside and delightfully crispy outside, just like the iconic chicken you love, but healthier and simpler to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes always start with great ingredients, and this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the lively citrus kick to the aromatic spices and the crispy, golden coating.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These juicy cuts are perfect for staying tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks add variety and are easy to eat, making them a crowd favorite.
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice: Gives the chicken a bright, tangy punch that tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory depth that complements the lime perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Offers a herbal earthiness to round out the spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives a warm, slightly smoky undertone that defines the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning: Provides a savory, garlicky punch, bringing some Latin flair.
- 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning: Infuses color and a rich, bold flavor unique to this style of fried chicken.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy, golden crust you’ll love.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Ensures an irresistibly crisp texture when air fried.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the coating puff up lightly, contributing to that perfect crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray: Keeps the chicken crispy without excess oil, perfect for air frying.
How to Make Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo, and sazón seasoning in a large bowl. Toss the chicken thighs and drumsticks in this vibrant marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak in these bold, tangy flavors for 1 to 2 hours. This stage is crucial — the lime juice tenderizes the meat while all the spices infuse it with deep flavor. Just remember, don’t marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid toughening the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
While the chicken marinates, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder in a separate bowl. This magical combination will give you that signature crispy and golden crust that defines this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off to avoid sogginess. Then, dredge each one in the flour mixture, making sure every inch is coated but gently shaking off any extra flour. This coating is the key to achieving that crunchy, light crust on every bite.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes sets the perfect environment to crisp the chicken right from the start. This step ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden finish.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil spray — this touch of oil helps create that irresistible crunch without excess grease. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate freely, cooking every piece evenly. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. The result? Juicy meat encased in a crackling, spiced crust that’s reminiscent of your favorite Pollo Campero chicken.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked to golden perfection, let your chicken rest a few minutes before serving. This brief rest time lets the juices redistribute, so each bite stays moist and flavorful. Now you’re ready to enjoy a homemade version of your Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright delicious.
How to Serve Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple but fresh with lemon or lime wedges for an extra citrus burst that highlights the marinade’s brightness. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley adds color and a pop of herbaceous flavor that brightens each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant coleslaw, or steaming rice work wonderfully to balance the bold flavors of this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe. For something a little different, try fried plantains or a crisp garden salad for freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Celebrate this fried chicken by turning it into a fiesta! Serve on a platter garnished with colorful veggies or tacos filled with shredded chicken and topped with pickled onions and avocado. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or family meals where flavor and fun go hand in hand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen chicken will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, ready for a speedy reheat anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method refreshes the crispiness without drying out the juicy interior, far better than a microwave revive!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but cook time will be shorter, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. The skin-on bone-in pieces, however, provide extra juiciness and flavor that’s hard to beat.
Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is what gives this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe its signature tang and depth, so it’s highly recommended. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes helps, but longer is better up to two hours.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake this chicken in a hot oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, it’s still tasty and healthier than traditional fried chicken.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, or add more if you love heat. The beauty of this Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal spice preference.
Why use cornstarch along with flour?
Cornstarch helps make the coating extra crispy and light by absorbing moisture and creating a crisper crust than flour alone. This combination is key to mimicking that perfect Pollo Campero-style crunch in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone craving a flavorful, crispy, and fuss-free fried chicken experience at home. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend feasts, or anytime you want that golden, crunchy goodness without the grease. Give it a shot — once you’ve tried it, this recipe will likely become a go-to comfort food favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful take on classic fried chicken using an air fryer. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and a mix of bold spices, then coated with a seasoned flour-cornstarch mix, this chicken is air fried to golden perfection with less oil for a healthier twist. Perfectly juicy inside with a crunchy crust, it’s a great option for a satisfying meal without the heaviness of traditional frying.
Ingredients
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
For Air Frying
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, making sure not to exceed 2 hours to prevent the acid from toughening the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking powder until evenly combined to create the light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping and ensure an even crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to prepare for optimal crispiness and cook time.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil spray for extra crispness. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours to avoid the acidic lime juice from toughening the meat.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crispiness.
- You can substitute olive oil spray with any neutral oil spray if preferred.
- To test doneness, use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the coating mix.
