Air Fryer KFC-Style Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks
This Air Fryer KFC-Style Southern Fried Chicken is a healthier homemade version of the classic favorite—and it seriously delivers. Juicy drumsticks are marinated in spicy buttermilk, coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then air fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this might just be the best fried chicken you’ve ever made at home.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
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1 kg (2.2 lb) chicken drumsticks
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75 ml (⅓ cup) hot sauce (Frank’s works well)
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1 large egg
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250 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
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Homemade option: 1 cup whole milk + juice of 1 lemon, rest 5 minutes
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Vegetable oil spray
KFC-Style Seasoned Flour
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272 g (2 cups) plain/all-purpose flour
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3 teaspoons salt
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2 teaspoons dried thyme
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2 teaspoons dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 teaspoons celery salt
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1 teaspoon dried mustard
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3 teaspoons paprika
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2 teaspoons marjoram
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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2 teaspoons ground white pepper
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2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
Chicken Drumsticks
-
1 kg (2.2 lb) chicken drumsticks
-
75 ml (⅓ cup) hot sauce (Frank’s works well)
-
1 large egg
-
250 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
-
Homemade option: 1 cup whole milk + juice of 1 lemon, rest 5 minutes
-
-
Vegetable oil spray
KFC-Style Seasoned Flour
-
272 g (2 cups) plain/all-purpose flour
-
3 teaspoons salt
-
2 teaspoons dried thyme
-
2 teaspoons dried basil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
2 teaspoons celery salt
-
1 teaspoon dried mustard
-
3 teaspoons paprika
-
2 teaspoons marjoram
-
1 teaspoon ground ginger
-
2 teaspoons ground white pepper
-
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Notes
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Marinate overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Oil spray is key—don’t skip it, or the coating may stay floury.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
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Check doneness with a thermometer: chicken should reach 165°F / 74°C internally.