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Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

This delicacy needs little to no introduction as most of us are really familiar with it but this recipe will probably be the easiest and the best crispy fried chicken legs recipe ever because it is less intimidating when compared to most fried chicken recipes, it uses few simple ingredients, and the result is an extremely crispy and crunchy skin, with a meat that is moist and tender.

Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Chicken drumsticks are always a favorite around here. You’ll love the delightful flavor of these fried drumsticks seasoned with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper with a dash of chili powder for added flavor.

These fried chicken drumsticks are an excellent addition to any picnic, family gathering, weeknight dinner, or a special treat. You can serve this fried chicken recipe as a standalone treat or with your favorite sides for dinner like potato salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and so much more.

If you prefer to use an air fryer for this recipe, don't worry I've got you covered. I have an amazing recipe for air-fried chicken drumsticks here! You can also check other delicious chicken leg recipes here, Explore and keep enjoying!

Crispy fried Chicken drumsticks with ketchup

How Do I make A Flavorful Crispy Fried Chicken Legs?

This recipe uses whole milk and eggs as wet ingredients. However, you can use buttermilk in place of whole milk if that's what you prefer.

The dry ingredients are flour and spices and there's no need to marinate the chicken as long as you season your milk mixture with salt and black pepper. If you don't season it, you will miss out on flavor. Trust me on this! 

If you follow these easy steps your fried chicken will turn out into an outer shell that you love biting into, with a moist and tender interior so be sure not to skip any step. 

  • First, make a mixture of milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. 
  • Next, combine the flour with the spices. Mix well.
  • Place the legs inside the dry ingredient mixture and coat well. Then transfer it to the milk mixture. Coat well.
  • Finally, transfer the legs back to the bowl of dry ingredients and coat well until the legs become thickly coated. At this point, the chicken is ready to be fried. 
  • If you want the pieces extra crispy, redip in the egg-milk mixture and seasoned flour.
  • Fry these battered chicken legs preheated oil in it. The oil in the pan must reach 350 degrees for optimal crisping of the fried chicken batter. You’ll turn the chicken over partway through the frying process until the entire drumstick is crisp and browned—about 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Be sure to place your fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the extra oil and allow your fried chicken rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Crispy fried Chicken drumsticks with ketchup and celery sticks

How long does it take to fry Chicken Legs?

An average chicken leg will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes when deep pan-frying, but it's also advisable to check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure the meat is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is my fried chicken not crispy?

There’s nothing worse than having a plan to enjoy some deep-fried chicken only to find out the chicken isn’t crispy at all. If this happens, then you had your oil too cold. 

It’s important to maintain the proper temperature of 350-degree oil to get your crispy fried chicken drumsticks the right crisp texture.

If the heat is too low it will take longer for your chicken to cook and, in turn, leave you with oily, over- dense chicken that will not leave your taste buds happy. 

Crispy fried Chicken drumsticks with ketchup and celery sticks
Fried Chicken

NOTES:

  • I used peanut oil because of its high smoke point and...well....taste and I will advise you to do the same or better still use oils like Grapeseed, Canola, Corn, Olive, Sesame seed or Sunflower.
  • I know there are two teams when it comes to washing or not washing your Chicken before cooking it - This is totally up to you.
  • Feel free to use any Chicken part of your choice as long as it is cut into small portions - When the Chicken piece is too big, it will take a longer time to cook and the outer part might become overly browned before it becomes fully cooked on the inside.

This post first appeared on cheflolaskitctchen.com on May 12th 2016 

Other Favorite Chicken Recipes

Crispy fried Chicken drumsticks with ketchup and celery sticks

Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

This delicacy needs little to no introduction as most of us are really familiar with it; it’s crispy, spicy, and super easy to make.
4.83 from 74 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: American, southern
Keyword: chicken, drumsticks, fried chicken, homemade
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 chicken Legs
Calories: 263kcal
Author: Lola Osinkolu

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken legs
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or to taste
  • 1½ to 2 teaspoons salt or add to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup milk
  • Enough oil for deep frying

Instructions

  • Combine the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and set it aside.
  • Whisk together the milk, egg, pinch of salt, and pepper to taste in a separate bowl and set aside.
  • Dip each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, transfer it to the milk and egg mixture, and finally back into the flour.
  • Heat the oil to 350 degrees F and gently place the coated chicken drumsticks inside the hot oil. Fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside. Flip the drumsticks between each fry cycle.
  • Remove from heat and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 547mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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4.83 from 74 votes (48 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Danielle Howard

Saturday 7th of February 2026

Can I marinate in lawrys marinade before or no?

Adeola

Friday 20th of February 2026

Hi Danielle. Yes you can.

Dickie

Thursday 29th of January 2026

I’m a single dad trying to raise my cooking game for kids. I’ve had many disasters. I had a few friends tell me not to bother trying to fry chicken because often comes out worse than what you get at the franchises. But I wanted to try

Used your recipe and it turned out great! That really means something to me bc it stinks to cook and have it turn out bad

I didn’t use the chili powder bc kids not into spice. Also used almond milk original bc that’s what we had. And vegetable oil

Kids loved it

THANK YOU CHEF LOLA! I’ll try more

Adeola

Thursday 19th of February 2026

Oh wow… This made my day 🥹

First of all, please don’t let anyone tell you not to try. The fact that you’re stepping into the kitchen for your kids already makes you a winning dad,

And look at you😊 Adjusting the recipe, no chili powder, using what you had (almond milk and vegetable oil) and still getting amazing results? that’s exactly how confident home cooks are made.

I know how discouraging kitchen disasters can feel, especially when you’re trying your best. So hearing that it turned out great and your kids loved it? That’s everything.

Thank YOU for trusting my recipe. Keep going, you’re building skills and memories at the same time. I’m cheering you on, Chef Dickie👨‍🍳🥰

Candice

Sunday 28th of December 2025

I used your recipe a couple weeks ago and we all loved it! Especially my 5yr old nephew! So I'm going to make it again tonight :) Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us!

Adeola

Thursday 5th of March 2026

That makes me so happy to hear Candice😊, I love that your whole family enjoyed it, especially your 5-year-old nephew. When the kids approve, you know it’s a winner. Thank you for trying the recipe🥰

Ray

Tuesday 10th of June 2025

It's so easy to make , and it's so good after the cook perfect for a cook out

Lola Osinkolu

Tuesday 24th of June 2025

Yesss! 🙌 So glad you found it easy and you are right, it's perfect for a cookout!

Lauren

Wednesday 14th of May 2025

I'm not sure if you'll see this, but Lola, I could just KISS YOU! I just made this for dinner and followed your recipe exactly and omg, they came out so good, perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, my 8 year says they're amazing and they truly are!!! I'm writing this down on a recipe card called Lola's chicken. So so good thank you SO MUCH for the recipe!!!! I wish I could give more than 5 stars

Chef Lola Osinkolu

Friday 16th of May 2025

This is so heartwarming, Lauren. I appreciate your kind feeback. Our recipes are kid and adult-friendly and your feedback validated it. Love the idea of the recipe card, that great. My love to your kid.❤️❤️