Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Air fryer KFC Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks - Pretty Delicious Eats

Crispy Air Fryer KFC Chicken Drumsticks in 30 Minutes


  • Author: Christina R. Jones
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 6 drumsticks 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Make crispy KFC-style fried chicken drumsticks at home using an air fryer. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a fraction of the oil.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Place chicken drumsticks in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix flour and all spices.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
  4. Coat each drumstick thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  7. Place drumsticks in the basket in a single layer.
  8. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 10-12 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, spray chicken lightly with oil before cooking.
  • Double coating gives thicker crust – dip in flour, then buttermilk, then flour again.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 drumstick
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, KFC copycat, southern fried chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks