Air fryer KFC Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer KFC Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks

This Healthy Copycat KFC Southern Fried Chicken recipe will blow your mind! The Air Fryer Buttermilk marinated Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, crispy, tender and so easy to make! The BEST homemade Fried Chicken you will ever make!

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks – 1kg /2.2pounds
  • Hot sauce* – 75ml / 1/3 cup

    Franks hot sauce works well

  • Egg – 1 x egg
  • Buttermilk – 250ml

    if making your own buttermilk – 250ml / 1 cup of whole milk + the juice of 1 x lemon, leave for 5 minutes to thicken

  • Vegetable oil for spraying the chicken
  • Plain/All-purpose flour – 272g / 2 x cups
  • Salt – 3 x teaspoons
  • Dried thyme – 2 x teaspoons
  • Dried Basil – 2x teaspoons
  • Oregano – 1 x teaspoon
  • Celery salt – 2 x teaspoons
  • Dried mustard – 1 x teaspoon
  • Paprika – 3 x teaspoons
  • Marjoram – 2 x teaspoons
  • Ground ginger – 1 x teaspoon
  • Ground white pepper – 2 x teaspoons
  • Ground black pepper – 2 x teaspoons

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer (if this setting is available on the model your using)

  2. 2

    Add the buttermilk, egg and hot sauce to a large bowl. Whisk until combined then add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, stir and set aside to use straight away or for the best results marinate overnight in the fridge. (Optional – Check out the recipe notes section further down the recipe card for instructions on how to make your own buttermilk)

  3. 3

    Add flour into another large bowl alongside with the all the 11 KFC spices & salt to make the seasoned flour. Mix until all the spices have combined with the flour evenly. Add 4 x tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade to the seasoned flour and mix. Little crumb will form which will help with the overall crispiness’ of the chicken.

  4. 4

    Using hands take one drumstick out of the buttermilk marinade, shake of the excess liquid, then add to the seasoned flour. Use your hands to cover the drumsticks with the flour, apply pressure to ensure the flour adheres fully. Shake off the excess and place into the air fryer basket.

  5. 5

    Spray the dredged chicken drumsticks generously with vegetable oil, then air fry for 10 minutes at 180c/350f . After the initial 10 minutes of cooking stop the air fryer and turn the chicken drumsticks over to crisp up the other side of the chicken. Spray the chicken with oil to cover any flour patches. Then air fry for a further 7-8 minutes at 180c/350f degrees until cooked

  6. 6

    Remove the cooked pieces of chicken from the air fryer basket and serve straight away.

Air fryer KFC Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer KFC Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks

4.8(6)

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4.8(6 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that classic crispy fried chicken but want a healthier, easier alternative? This Air fryer KFC Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks recipe delivers all the familiar flavors and satisfying crunch without the deep-fryer mess.

The magic begins with a buttermilk marinade, infused with hot sauce, that tenderizes the chicken drumsticks from within, ensuring every bite is incredibly juicy. Paired with a meticulously balanced blend of eleven different spices, this recipe recreates that iconic Southern fried taste you love, all while achieving a perfectly crispy coating in your air fryer.

Prepare for succulent chicken drumsticks that boast a wonderfully crisp, golden-brown crust, giving way to unbelievably tender, flavorful meat. You'll find the distinct savory, aromatic notes from the dried herbs and spices, complemented by a subtle tang from the buttermilk and a gentle warmth from the hot sauce. It's a comforting, satisfying dish that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to achieve at home, proving that delicious "fried" chicken doesn't need to be complicated.

Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level; Franks is suggested, but any similar cayenne-based sauce will work. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, it's simple to make your own by combining whole milk with lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes. While drumsticks are ideal for their juiciness, this spice blend could also elevate other chicken pieces.

These crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks are perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a casual weekend gathering, offering a comforting centerpiece for any meal. They pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

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