Golden, crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying, fried chicken is more than a meal. It’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and celebration. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a weekend gathering or a guilty-pleasure weeknight indulgence, fried chicken delivers that irresistible combo of flavor and texture that keeps us coming back for more.
And every July 6, we get the perfect excuse to go all in with National Fried Chicken Day. It’s a chance to honor this beloved dish, try out new recipes, and share your favorite style with friends and family. This year, we’re turning it into a kitchen showdown between two crispy contenders: air-fried vs. deep-fried chicken.
At Select Brands, we believe in celebrating food with flavor and fun. We’ve got you covered with the tools, tips, and recipes you need to make both styles shine right in your own kitchen.
A Bite of History: Why Fried Chicken Deserves a Holiday
Fried chicken’s roots run deep—and far. While it’s most commonly associated with the American South, the technique of frying poultry can be traced back to West African cooking traditions and Scottish immigrants who brought their own styles of frying meat. When these culinary practices blended during the 18th and 19th centuries, the result was a flavorful, crunchy, and deeply satisfying dish that became a staple of Southern cuisine.
Over the decades, fried chicken evolved into a symbol of home cooking, road trip diners, and community potlucks. From soul food restaurants to backyard cookouts, it became woven into the American food identity. Fast forward to today, and we have an entire day dedicated to its celebration.
National Fried Chicken Day, observed every July 6, is a delicious reminder of how food connects us to history, family, and culture. It’s also the perfect excuse to try something new or master a favorite method.
How to Season Chicken Like a Pro
The secret to unforgettable fried chicken isn’t just in the frying. It starts with the seasoning. Whether you’re air-frying or deep-frying, how you prep your chicken determines how flavorful and tender the final result will be.
Here are some go-to seasoning techniques:
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Classic Southern: A staple for good reason. Begin by marinating chicken in buttermilk, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. It’s simple, but full of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Craving heat? Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to your marinade or dredging flour. This gives the chicken a bold edge while still letting the crispy coating shine.
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Herb-Infused: For a more earthy or aromatic flavor, mix herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or oregano into your marinade or dry rub.
- International Twist: Want to get creative? Curry powder, berbere spice, jerk seasoning, or harissa paste can add a global flair that takes fried chicken in an exciting new direction.
Don’t forget the two golden rules:
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Always season both your chicken and your coating (flour or breadcrumbs).
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Let your chicken marinate for several hours, if not overnight. The result? A more tender bite and richer taste in every crispy layer.
Wing It or Thigh It? Chicken Cuts 101
Fried chicken isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cut you choose plays a huge role in how your dish turns out flavor-wise and texture-wise. Here's a quick guide:
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Wings: Quick to cook and naturally crispy, wings are ideal for air fryers and sauces. Think buffalo, barbecue, or even garlic parmesan.
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Drumsticks: Juicy, flavorful, and fun to eat—drumsticks are a favorite for both kids and adults. Their bone-in structure helps retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
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Thighs: If you like your chicken extra juicy and rich, go with thighs. The higher fat content keeps them tender even if you slightly overcook them.
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Breasts: Leaner and larger, chicken breasts need more care to avoid drying out. They're great when sliced thin or marinated overnight.
Whether you're planning a platter or serving a weeknight meal, using a mix of cuts can make the experience more exciting and satisfying for everyone.
Air-Fried vs. Deep-Fried: Which Will Win Your Kitchen?
Now for the main event. Both air-frying and deep-frying have their fans and for good reason. One delivers that nostalgic crunch we all grew up loving. The other offers a lighter take without sacrificing texture or flavor. You can’t go wrong, but we’ll let your taste buds decide.
Crispy Air-Fried Chicken
Tools You’ll Need: Toastmaster Digital Air Fryer
Flavor Profile: Lightly crispy, juicy interior, less oil
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken thighs
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
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Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt for 2–4 hours.
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Pat chicken lightly with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Coat evenly in seasoned breadcrumbs.
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Place in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
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Cook at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with dipping sauce or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-heat finish.
Why You’ll Love It: Lower fat, minimal mess, and easy cleanup. Great for anyone who wants a healthier alternative without giving up the crispy experience.
Classic Deep-Fried Chicken
Tools You’ll Need: Toastmaster Deep Fryer
Flavor Profile: Rich, crunchy, indulgent
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken drumsticks
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp cayenne
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
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Combine buttermilk and cayenne in a bowl. Add drumsticks and marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
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Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere coating well.
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Heat oil in your deep fryer to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 10–13 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels) to preserve crispness.
- Serve hot with pickles, biscuits, or your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love It: Nothing beats the depth of flavor and crispy coating that deep-frying brings. It’s comfort food in its purest form, perfect for parties, picnics, or weekends at home.
No Wrong Way to Fry
At the end of the day, fried chicken is about joy, comfort, and creativity. Whether you go with a classic deep-fried method or experiment with a leaner air-fried version, you’re still honoring a beloved tradition that brings people together.
Fried chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right seasoning, the right tools, and a little love, you can make any day feel like a celebration. So pull out your fryer (or air fryer), pick your favorite cut, and start sizzling.
Celebrate with the Right Tools
Want to bring your fried chicken dreams to life? At selectbrands.com, you’ll find the tools you need to make every batch a success. From precision deep fryers to versatile air fryers, we’ve got products designed to help home cooks create restaurant-worthy results.
Explore our collection today and celebrate National Fried Chicken Day with a crispy win in your kitchen.
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