KFC AIR FRYER CHICKEN LEGS

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Of course! Recreating the flavor of KFC at home is all about the seasoning blend, and using an air fryer gives you incredibly crispy skin with far less oil.

This recipe will give you juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken legs with a crispy, well-seasoned crust that rivals the Colonel’s.

KFC-Style Air Fryer Chicken Legs

This recipe uses a “double-dredge” method (coating twice) for an extra-thick and crispy crust that stands up beautifully in the air fryer.

Servings: 2-4 (depending on appetite)
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus optional 30-minute marinating time)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Brine:

· 4-6 chicken drumsticks
· 1 cup buttermilk
· 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
· 1 teaspoon salt

For the KFC-Style Seasoning Blend:

· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon black pepper
· 1 teaspoon celery salt
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon dried basil
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon ground ginger
· ½ teaspoon white pepper (or more black pepper)
· ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
· ¼ teaspoon Accent/MSG (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic savory taste)

For the Dredging Station:

· 1 large egg
· The buttermilk brine from the chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Brine the Chicken (The Secret to Juiciness)

  1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Add the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. (This step is crucial for tender, flavorful meat).

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations

  1. In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the flour and all the herbs and spices for the seasoning blend.
  2. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk brine from the chicken. This creates your “glue.”

Step 3: The Double-Dredge (The Secret to a Crispy Crust)

  1. Remove a drumstick from the buttermilk brine, letting the excess drip off.
  2. First Coat: Roll it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to make sure it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess.
  3. “Glue” Dip: Dip the floured drumstick into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
  4. Second Coat: One last time, roll it in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a shaggy, thick coating. This double-dredge is what creates those classic crispy nubs and ridges.
  5. Place the coated drumstick on a wire rack while you repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Air Frying to Perfection

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. You may need to cook in batches.
  3. Air fry for 12 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip the drumsticks. Spray the tops lightly with oil (this helps the crust get extra crispy).
  5. Air fry for another 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175°F (80°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  1. Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

· Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: The buttermilk brine tenderizes the chicken and provides a tangy flavor base that helps the coating stick.
· The Wire Rack is Key: Letting the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before air frying helps the coating “set” and results in a crispier final product that doesn’t fall off.
· No Crowding: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If the basket is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of fry, resulting in a softer crust.
· Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C), but for dark meat, taking it to 175°F (80°C) yields a more tender and juicy result.
· Spraying with Oil: A light spritz of cooking oil is the secret to getting that deep-fried color and crunch without actually deep-frying.

Enjoy your fantastically crispy and flavorful homemade “KFC” drumsticks! They are a guaranteed family favorite.

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