If you thought fried chicken was off the table because your gluten-free or dairy-free, think again. With this simple air fryer recipe using my Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Mix by Gluten-Free by Che, you can enjoy golden, crunchy, juicy fried chicken that tastes just as good as the real deal — maybe even better.
The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer, you don’t need a bucket of oil, and you don’t need gluten. Just an air fryer, a little spray oil, and some patience while that delicious smell fills your kitchen.
In this post, I’ll take you through the full recipe, give you a bit of background on fried chicken, explain why gluten-free cooking doesn’t mean missing out, and share some tips to make sure your chicken comes out perfect every single time.
Why Gluten-Free Fried Chicken?
Traditional fried chicken uses plain flour or a seasoned flour coating, which is a no-go for anyone who has coeliac disease or follows a gluten-free diet. Gluten sneaks into more things than you’d think, and it’s frustrating when comfort food classics seem out of reach.
That’s exactly why I created my Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Mix. It’s made to give you the crunch, flavour, and golden finish you’d expect from classic fried chicken, without any gluten. You don’t have to compromise on taste, texture, or enjoyment.
When you combine the mix with dairy-free buttermilk, you get tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a perfectly crisp coating — the kind you’d normally only get from a takeaway bucket. Except now, you can make it fresh at home, and it’s 100% gluten-free.
A Quick Bite of Fried Chicken History
Fried chicken as we know it today has deep roots. Scottish immigrants were frying chicken in fat as early as the 1700s, while African cooks in the American South added their own seasonings and spices, creating the flavour-packed fried chicken that took the world by storm.
It’s become one of the most iconic comfort foods ever, with countless variations — southern-style, Korean fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, and now, a modern twist: air fryer gluten-free fried chicken.
The method may be new, but the heart of it is the same — crispy, crunchy coating on the outside and juicy meat on the inside.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
If you’ve ever deep-fried chicken at home, you’ll know it’s a messy business. Buckets of oil, splatters all over your kitchen, and that lingering fried smell for days.
The air fryer changes all that. You only need a light spray of oil, the clean-up is easier, and you still get that crunchy, golden texture. It’s healthier, quicker, and a whole lot simpler.
The trick is to spray the chicken before cooking and again when you flip it. This gives you that perfect fried look and taste, without the deep fryer drama.
The Recipe: Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Here’s the step-by-step to get crispy perfection every time.
Ingredients:
• Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Mix by Che
• Chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or wings — whatever you love)
• Spray oil
• Dairy-free buttermilk (soy milk + coconut cream + apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works perfectly)
Method:
1. Soak your chicken in the dairy-free buttermilk for at least 1–2 hours. Overnight is even better — this step tenderises the chicken and locks in the juiciness.
2. Drain slightly, then coat the chicken generously in the Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Mix.
3. For extra crunch, double dip: back into the buttermilk, then into the mix again.
4. Spray your air fryer basket with oil. Place the chicken in and spray lightly over the top — this step is the key to making it look and taste like real fried chicken.
5. Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes. Flip the chicken, spray lightly again, and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 75°C.
6. Let the chicken rest for about 6 minutes before serving. This locks in the juices and makes every bite tender.
Tips for Success
• Don’t skip the resting time. Resting helps keep the chicken juicy instead of drying out.
• Use chicken with the skin on if you want extra crispiness.
• Space out the pieces in the air fryer basket — overcrowding stops them from crisping up properly.
• Check with a meat thermometer. Always aim for 75°C internal temp for safety and best texture.
Gluten-Free Doesn’t Mean Flavour-Free
There’s still a big myth floating around that gluten-free food is bland, boring, or missing something. Recipes like this prove that wrong. With the right mix, the right method, and the right flavours, gluten-free fried chicken tastes just as indulgent as any regular version.
Pair it with a dipping sauce, load it into a burger, or serve it up with chips and slaw for the ultimate weekend feast.
Final Thoughts
Fried chicken has been loved for centuries, and now, thanks to air fryers and a bit of gluten-free know-how, it’s more accessible than ever. Whether you’re gluten-free out of necessity or choice, you don’t have to miss out on one of the best comfort foods ever created.
This air fryer gluten-free fried chicken recipe is easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Once you try it, you’ll never look back.
Ready to make your own batch? Grab your Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Mix by Gluten-Free Che and get cooking.
👉 Available now at www.GodsofSauces.com.au