Fried Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

March 15, 2025 Odiraa

This delicious dish needs little to no introduction, as most of us are already familiar with it.

However, this recipe might just be the easiest and best crispy fried chicken legs recipe ever!

Unlike many fried chicken recipes that seem intimidating, this one is straightforward, requiring only a few simple ingredients.

The result? An incredibly crispy and crunchy skin with juicy, tender meat inside.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Crispy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks are always a favorite, and this recipe takes them to another level.

The delightful blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of chili powder creates an irresistible flavor.

Whether for a picnic, family gathering, weeknight dinner, or a special treat, these fried drumsticks are sure to be a hit.

Serve them as a standalone delight or pair them with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and more.

Prefer an air-fryer version? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Check out my air-fried chicken drumsticks recipe, along with other tasty chicken leg recipes.

Fried Crispy Chicken Drumsticks: How to Make Flavorful Crispy Fried Chicken Legs

For this recipe, you’ll need whole milk and eggs as wet ingredients. If you prefer, you can substitute buttermilk for whole milk.

The dry ingredients consist of flour and spices, eliminating the need for marination—just be sure to season your milk mixture with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.

To achieve that irresistible crispy exterior with a moist and tender interior, follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Wet Mixture: Whisk together milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine flour with all the spices and mix well.
Coat the Chicken: First, dredge the chicken legs in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, dip them into the milk mixture.
Double Coating for Extra Crispiness: Transfer the legs back to the dry ingredients, coating them thoroughly until they become thickly covered. If you want extra crunch, repeat the process—dip them again in the egg-milk mixture and then back into the flour.
Frying the Chicken: Heat the oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken legs, turning them partway through until they are golden brown and crispy (about 12 to 15 minutes).
Draining Excess Oil: Once fried, place the drumsticks on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Fried Crispy Chicken Drumsticks: How Long Does It Take to Fry Chicken Legs?

On average, it takes about 12 to 15 minutes to fry chicken legs in a deep pan.

However, it’s always best to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Why Isn’t My Fried Chicken Crispy?

Few things are as disappointing as expecting crispy fried chicken only to end up with a soggy result. If this happens, the oil is likely too cold.

Maintaining an oil temperature of 350°F is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp texture. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will take longer to cook, leading to a greasy and dense exterior instead of a light and crunchy crust.

Notes & Tips

Choosing the Right Oil: I use peanut oil due to its high smoke point and excellent taste, but you can also use grapeseed, canola, corn, olive, sesame seed, or sunflower oil.
To Wash or Not to Wash? There are two camps on washing chicken before cooking—this choice is entirely up to you.
Size Matters: If using different chicken parts, ensure they are cut into smaller portions. Larger pieces take longer to cook and may brown too much on the outside before being fully cooked inside.

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 to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
¾ cup milk
Enough oil for deep frying

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned flour, then into the milk and egg mixture, and finally back into the flour for a thick coating.
Heat oil to 350°F and carefully place the coated chicken drumsticks into the hot oil. Fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside. Flip the drumsticks occasionally to ensure even frying.
Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.