If you’ve ever craved that unforgettable golden crunch, a signature blend of spices, and juicy, tender chicken all in one bite, Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken brings the magic straight to your kitchen. This Latin American-inspired classic packs outrageous flavor into every crispy piece, and the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer to pull it off! With a zesty marinade, a punchy spiced coating, and an irresistibly crisp finish from your air fryer, this recipe delivers true Campero flair for an easy, lighter, and utterly crowd-pleasing fried chicken experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Each item on this list plays a unique role—building bold yet harmonious flavor, achieving that beautiful color, or making sure our Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken gets impossibly crispy on the outside and supremely juicy within.
- Chicken drumsticks or thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum flavor and unbeatable moisture.
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with rich, tangy undertones.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and helps the marinade penetrate the meat, echoing Campero’s signature zest.
- Hot sauce (optional): Gives the marinade an extra kick—choose your favorite or adjust to taste.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for that craveable, classic fried chicken coating.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour, this delivers the crisp, light crunch air fryer fried chicken needs.
- Paprika: Contributes warmth and a pop of color to the breading.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, savory note, anchoring the Latin-inspired spice blend.
- Garlic powder: Punches up flavor with a deep, mellow savoriness in every bite.
- Onion powder: Balances the spices with a subtle sweetness and aromatic quality.
- Ground white pepper: Adds a gentle heat with a distinct, slightly floral pepperiness.
- Dried oregano: Sprinkled in for herbal complexity and that signature Campero twist.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons the chicken through and through.
- Black pepper: Classic and assertive, it rounds out the spice blend perfectly.
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer—don’t skip it!
How to Make Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, fresh lime juice, and a generous glug of hot sauce if heat is your thing. Toss the drumsticks or thighs into the marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This is where your chicken soaks up all the tang and flavor—cover and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight if you can) for the juiciest results.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Coating
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This colorful mixture is the secret to that authentic Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken crunch. Stir with a fork or whisk to blend thoroughly, so every bite gets a little of everything.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Lift each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Lay a piece in the flour-spice mixture and press down firmly, turning to coat thoroughly and evenly. The more love you give it here, the crispier your crust will be! Arrange the dredged chicken on a plate and get your air fryer ready for action.
Step 4: Oil and Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken pieces with olive oil or your favorite cooking spray; this is the key to a golden, crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd—if needed, cook in batches to give each piece room to crisp.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Set the timer for 25–28 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip each piece and spritz again with oil for even more crunch. Cook until the chicken is gloriously golden and reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before diving in—this helps retain its juiciness.
How to Serve Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Just before serving, toss a few fresh lime wedges onto the platter—squeezing one over your chicken gives an irresistible pop. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a dusting of extra paprika to up the color and fragrance, making your Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken utterly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This chicken brings a fiesta to your plate, especially when paired with fluffy rice, creamy slaw, or sweet fried plantains. For a heartier meal, serve with refried beans, crispy yuca fries, or a chunky avocado salad on the side—the possibilities are endlessly delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken into a picnic centerpiece: pile the crisp chicken atop a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies and mini empanadas, or serve in a big basket lined with parchment for that true street-food vibe. It’s equally at home as the star of a Sunday family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavor only gets better by the next day, and the crust stays surprisingly crisp!
Freezing
To keep your Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken on standby for future cravings, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first (to avoid sticking), then transfer to freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Skip the microwave—pop cold chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, flipping once, for the return of that irresistible crunch. It’ll taste almost as good as freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts will work, though you may want to reduce your air fryer time by a few minutes. Bone-in pieces do offer extra flavor and juiciness, but the marinade and coating shine on any cut.
Is dairy-free buttermilk an option?
Yes! Just combine 1 cup of any plant-based milk (like almond or soy) with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as you would traditional buttermilk.
Can I make the marinade spicier?
Go for it! Add extra hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or even a finely chopped fresh chili to the marinade for more heat—make it as bold as your taste buds desire.
How do I prevent the coating from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Give your air fryer basket a quick shot of cooking spray before adding the chicken. Also, be sure not to overcrowd—the flow of hot air keeps the coating crisp and helps prevent any sticking issues.
What’s the best way to ensure even cooking?
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with a bit of space between each, and flip them halfway through cooking. This makes sure every side gets perfectly golden and cooked to juicy perfection.
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen is about to smell incredible, and you’re just minutes away from mouthwatering Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken that’s as festive and satisfying as any takeout. Give it a try and share a plate with friends or family—everyone will be begging for seconds!
Print
Pollo Campero-Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of Pollo Campero-style fried chicken made healthier in the air fryer. These crispy chicken drumsticks or thighs are marinated in buttermilk and Latin-inspired spices, then air-fried to perfection. A delicious and easy main course for any day of the week!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, lime juice, and hot sauce. Add chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Coat: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a separate bowl. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, arrange chicken, and cook at 375°F for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let rest before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, increase cornstarch to ¾ cup.
- Recipe mimics Pollo Campero’s Latin flavor with cumin and oregano.
- Serve with lime wedges and favorite sides like rice or plantains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
