- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
- Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken legs into a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add the hot sauce if using. Mix until every drumstick is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir until all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip away. Roll each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken on a plate and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps create a crispier crust during cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Arrange the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the tops lightly with cooking oil.
Step 6: Air Fry
Cook the chicken for 12 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
Open the basket and carefully flip each drumstick. Spray the other side lightly with oil and continue cooking for another 10–13 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
Cooking Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating if it has excess moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- A light coating of cooking spray helps create an extra crispy finish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Resting the coated chicken before cooking helps the breading stick better.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy chicken legs pair wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Biscuits
- Baked beans
- Garden salad
For dipping, serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken legs for up to 3 months. Wrap each drumstick individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Potassium: 320mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 70mg
- Iron: 2mg