KFC Copycat Air Fryer Chicken

7 steps

Updated at: Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:58:01 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Unbalanced

Glycemic Index

Moderate

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories603.7 kcal (30%)

Total Fat21 g (30%)

Carbs59.3 g (23%)

Sugars4.8 g (5%)

Protein42.4 g (85%)

Sodium2758.2 mg (138%)

Fiber4.3 g (15%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

3 servings

6chicken drumsticks

skin-on

1 cupbuttermilk

or 1 cup regular milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice, left to sit for 5 minutes

1egg

large, beaten

1 tsphot sauce

1 ½ cupsall-purpose flour

1 Tbsppaprika

1 ½ tspgarlic powder

1 Tbsponion powder

2 tspsalt

2 tspcelery salt

2 tspblack pepper

2 tspdried mustard powder

2 tspground ginger

1 tspdried thyme

1 tspdried basil

1 tspdried oregano

Cooking oil spray

vegetable or avocado oil recommended

Instructions

Step 1

Marinate the Chicken: Combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the drumsticks, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2

Prepare the Coating: Mix the flour and all the listed spices in a shallow dish. For extra crispy bits, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk mixture with a fork.

Step 3

Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.

Step 4

Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

Step 5

Air Fry: Place drumsticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring space between them. Spray the tops generously with oil. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying any dry spots with oil.

Step 6

Check for Doneness: Chicken is done when golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer can be used to check this.

Step 7

Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after air frying before serving.