Air-Fryer "Fried" Chicken

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In this healthy air-fried chicken recipe, we dredge the chicken twice in the flour mixture, resulting in a deliciously crisp exterior. Buffalo-style hot sauce adds subtle heat to these juicy drumsticks. Serve alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.

By
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on June 14, 2024
Reviewed by Dietitian
Nadine Bradley, RD, CNSC
Nadine Bradley, RD, CNSC
Reviewed by Dietitian Nadine Bradley, RD, CNSC

Nadine Bradley is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified nutrition support clinician who performs nutrition reviews on EatingWell recipes. She first got into nutrition as a competitive athlete, primarily focusing on how to nourish her body for peak performance.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Fried Chicken legs on a cooling rack on parchment on a sheet pan
Photo:

Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Soy-Free Heart-Healthy
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 6 medium chicken drumsticks, skin-on

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 2 cups whole buttermilk

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 2 teaspoons Buffalo-style hot sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons salt-free Creole seasoning

  • Olive oil cooking spray

Directions

  1. Place chicken on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken all over with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

    overhead view of seasoned, skin-on chicken legs on a cutting board

    Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

  2. Whisk buttermilk, eggs and hot sauce in a medium bowl until well combined. Combine flour, Creole seasoning and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a separate medium bowl.

    one chicken leg in a bowl of the buttermilk mixture, a bowl of a flour mixture, and a seasoned raw chicken leg on a cutting board

    Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

  3. Preheat air fryer to 365°F for 2 minutes. Lightly coat the air-fryer basket with cooking spray.

  4. Fit a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Dredge 1 drumstick in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off; dredge again in the flour mixture until well coated. Place the drumstick on the prepared rack. Repeat the procedure with the remaining drumsticks.

    overhead view of battered chicken legs on a cutting board next to an air fryer

    Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

  5. Working in batches, place the drumsticks in the prepared basket, making sure they are evenly spread apart. Cook for 10 minutes. Coat each drumstick with cooking spray, making sure to cover any visible flour. Gently flip the drumsticks; cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter; serve immediately.

    overhead view of battered chicken legs in an air fryer basket

    Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Equipment

Air fryer

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, January 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

327 Calories
7g Fat
33g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 drumstick
Calories 327
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 29g 58%
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 171mg 57%
Vitamin A 155IU 3%
Vitamin D 25IU 6%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 135mcg 34%
Vitamin K 4mcg 3%
Sodium 537mg 23%
Calcium 49mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 39mg 9%
Potassium 370mg 8%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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