Indulge in the ultimate guilt-free comfort food with this Crispy Airfried Chicken recipe, a healthier spin on the classic fried chicken you love. Featuring juicy, marinated chicken drumsticks coated in a perfectly seasoned flour blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, this recipe delivers bold flavor and irresistible crunch—all without the excess oil. Using an air fryer ensures the drumsticks are crisp and golden to perfection while remaining tender and moist on the inside. With only 10 minutes of prep time and easy cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad to complete the meal. Perfectly crispy, deliciously spiced, and healthier than traditional frying, this recipe is a must-try for fried chicken lovers!
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the marinated drumsticks from the buttermilk, letting excess buttermilk drip off before coating each piece in the flour mixture. Ensure each drumstick is evenly coated by pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Place the coated drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other to allow hot air to circulate.
Spray the tops of the drumsticks lightly with cooking spray for an extra crisp finish.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving for the crispiest results.
Calories |
2128 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.0 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.1 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 772 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 3202 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.2 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.8 g | ||
| Protein | 203.3 g | 407% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 441 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2535 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.