KFC Fakeaway Chicken – Crispy Southern Fried at Home
KFC Fakeaway Chicken – Crispy Southern Fried at Home
We all love a cheeky bucket now and again. This KFC fakeaway chicken is my go-to Friday night recipe, crispy, golden, and packed with flavour, but made with normal cupboard spices and no faff. You don’t need a secret vault of 11 herbs and spices, just a few basics, an air fryer or oven and you’re away.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire rack + oven tray (or an air fryer basket)
- Tongs
- Baking paper (saves scrubbing later)
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs skin-on for proper crunch
- 300 ml buttermilk or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 200 g plain flour
- 2 tsp 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional – adds a kick
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Light spray of vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken – Dunk your 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs in 300 ml buttermilk, cover, and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is better). This makes the meat juicy and tender.8 chicken drumsticks or thighs, 300 ml buttermilk
- Make the coating – Mix 200 g plain flour with all your spices in a big bowl. This is your magic dust.200 g plain flour, 2 tsp 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Dip and coat – Shake off excess buttermilk and toss the chicken in the flour mix until properly covered.
- Double dip for crunch – For that classic KFC bite, dip the coated chicken back in buttermilk and then again in the flour. It’ll look messy but trust me, that’s crunch in the making.
- Cook:Air fryer: 200°C, 25–30 mins, turning halfway.Oven: 200°C (fan), 35–40 mins on a wire rack over a tray.Don’t overcrowd them – space = crisp.Light spray of vegetable oil
- Serve hot – Straight away for maximum crunch. If you wait, the coating softens and you’ll regret it.
Notes
Elevate It
- Mix a pinch of celery salt into the spice blend (a proper KFC trick).
- Add MSG for the true “can’t-stop-eating-it” effect.
- Serve in a basket lined with greaseproof paper for that full takeaway vibe.
- Works with chicken wings, tenders, or even breast strips if you fancy homemade fillet burgers.
Pair It With
- [KFC Fakeaway Gravy]
- [Chippy-Style Chips]
- [Coleslaw Fakeaway]
