KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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🍗 KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Servings: 4–6 (about 8 drumsticks)

Prep Time: 15 min (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 25–30 min

Total Time: ~45 min

🛒 Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin on)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor)

For the seasoned coating (“KFC blend”):

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp celery salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp white pepper

These 11 herbs and spices are inspired by KFC’s classic flavor.

For cooking:

  • 2 tbsp oil or cooking spray (vegetable, olive, or avocado oil)

🔪 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

  1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
  2. Add the chicken drumsticks, toss to coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
    • This tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick.

2. Prepare the coating

  1. In a shallow dish, mix all seasoned coating ingredients.
  2. Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
  3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to make sure it adheres.
  4. For extra crunch: After dredging, dip again in buttermilk and coat a second time in flour.

3. Preheat the air fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Air fry the chicken

  1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
  2. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
  3. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil — this helps them crisp up.
  4. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until:
    • Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
    • The coating is crispy and golden brown

Tip: If your air fryer runs hot, reduce to 370°F and cook a few minutes longer for perfect crispness.

5. Rest and serve

  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving — this keeps it juicy inside.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for that full KFC-style meal.

🌟 Extra Tips

  • No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
  • Want it spicier? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix.
  • Double crisp method: After air frying, you can give the chicken a quick 2–3 minute reheat at 400°F for an extra-crispy finish.

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