Step 1

Prep: Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Make breading mixes: Add all ingredients for dry breading mix to a shallow dish and whisk to combine. Then place egg and buttermilk in a separate mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 3

Bread chicken: Toss chicken in dry mixture to thinly coat, then in egg mixture. Finally, dredge each chicken piece through dry mix again, this time thickly coating. Pound/press breading into chicken for it to stick (may seem floury and dry, but will cook perfectly with the butter added). You may not need all of the dry mix, but it's easier to bread if there is plenty.

Step 4

Air fry: Place breaded chicken pieces in the hot air fryer basket (do not stack!). Top each piece with several slices of butter (using about 2 of the 3 tablespoons).Air fry at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and crispy on top (8-10 minutes for thinner chicken breast, 10-12 minutes for thicker chicken breast, 12-14 minutes for chicken thighs, 6-8 minutes for chicken strips, 10 minutes for drumsticks).

Step 5

Finish: Carefully flip chicken, dot with remaining butter and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for the same time as before again, until breading is golden and crispy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).I flip for a final time and air fry for 1-2 minutes on the highest temperature my air fryer will go to for maximum crispiness. Serve immediately.