Air Fryer Fried Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) chicken drumsticks
• 250 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 75 ml (⅓ cup) hot sauce
• Vegetable oil spray, for coating

Homemade Buttermilk Option

• If you do not have buttermilk, make your own:

Homemade Buttermilk Option

• 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
• Juice of 1 lemon

Homemade Buttermilk Option

• Combine milk and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened before using.

For the Crispy Seasoned Flour Coating

• 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

Instructions

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

1. In a large bowl, combine:
2. Flour
3. Salt
4. Thyme
5. Basil
6. Oregano
7. Celery salt
8. Dried mustard
9. Paprika
10. Marjoram
11. Ground ginger
12. White pepper
13. Black pepper
14. Mix thoroughly so all spices are evenly distributed.
15. For an extra crispy coating, add 4 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture. Stir gently until small flour clumps form. These little pieces create a crunchy fried-style texture.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove one drumstick from the marinade.
2. Allow excess liquid to drip off, but do not wipe the chicken dry.
3. Place the drumstick into the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Press the flour firmly onto all sides of the chicken until completely coated.
5. Shake gently to remove loose flour.
6. Place the coated drumstick on a plate or directly into the air fryer basket.
7. Repeat with the remaining drumsticks.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Arrange the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Leave space between each piece so hot air can circulate properly.
3. Spray the chicken generously with vegetable oil.
4. Air fry at:
5. 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes
6. Carefully turn each drumstick over.
7. Spray any areas where the flour still looks dry.
8. Continue cooking for:
9. 7–8 more minutes
10. The chicken is ready when:
11. The coating is crispy and golden brown
12. The chicken is cooked through
13. The internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F)
14. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the drumsticks and the air fryer model.

Nutrition

Calories: 173 kcal · Protein: 25.5 g · Fat: 5.4 g · Carbohydrates: 3.9 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 1.4 g · Fiber: 0.3 g · Sugar: 1.3 g · Sodium: 342.4 mg