
Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles.
Preparing this classic brunch combination in your own kitchen is easier than you may think. All it takes is a little planning, an air fryer, and a waffle maker, to turn your table into the hottest brunch spot in your neighbourhood. Serve with honey, hot sauce and a side of slaw for the ultimate brunch plate!
Crispy on the outside, moist tender and juicy on the inside… what more do I have to say?
Oh, it is also a healthier option than the deep-fried version!

Buttermilk Waffles – recipe here
Fresh homemade waffles are an absolute treat for breakfast, brunch (Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles), or even dessert! Simply served with syrup or loaded with fresh fruit, these waffles are sure to please the young and the young at heart.
Make extra to freeze, then pop a couple in the toaster for a super quick breakfast.

Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 3 springs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the breading
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil
Make ahead
- 8 -12 Buttermilk Waffles
Instructions
- Place the chicken and marinade ingredients in a resealable bag, squeeze out excess air, seal the bag and shake to combine. Marinate for 4 to 24 hours.
- In a shallow bowl or small baking tray, whisk the flour, corn starch, and spices together.
- Remove the chicken pieces directly from the bag and dredge in the flour mixture. Once each piece is completely coated, place on a cooling rack and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380F.
- Generously spray (or dab with a brush) the chicken all over with oil. It is important to coat all the breading to create a crispy crust.
- Place the 4 chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer, leaving space between the thighs.
- Set the air fryer to 380F for 24 minutes and start. After 12 minutes, flip the chicken and lightly spray the other side with oil. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°. Remove the thighs to a cooling rack
- Repeat the process with the chicken drumsticks.
- While the drumsticks rest on the cooling rack, reheat the thighs for 3-4 minutes in the air fryer then serve hot with the waffles.
Video
Notes
Hope you enjoy this recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.
Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy)
This is a great recipe for both the chicken and waffles. We marinated the chicken and made up the coating, ready-to-use, the night before. We did have to alter the coating recipe as I didn’t have enough corn starch and, apparently, there is now a shortage of corn starch in the province. We just used additional flour instead and the chicken was just fine -crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Drizzling everything with local maple syrup made the flavours in the chicken just pop. We’re now thinking of trying this recipe with chicken tenders next. Tacos, maybe?
Hi Barb,
We are thrilled you enjoyed this recipe as much as we did!
Had no idea there was a shortage of corn starch, but good to know additional flour worked just as well!
Yes, tacos are ALWAYS a good idea!
Have a great night!
Elaine & James
Love this recipe! Buttermilk is the perfect marinade for chicken!!
Watched the video short on YouTube!
Dina and Bruce
Hi Dina & Bruce!
Thank you! We love using a buttermilk marinade, the chicken is always so tender!
Thanks for stopping by our YouTube channel as well!
Have a great day!
Elaine & James