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Air fryer Kentucky Kernel fried chicken drumsticks with a crispy golden coating on a white plate

Air Fryer Kentucky Kernel Fried Chicken

3.84 from 37 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy, juicy, 3-ingredient fried chicken made in the air fryer with Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour. A buttermilk soak and a single dredge deliver that golden, craggy crust with a fraction of the oil — ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb chicken, drumsticks, thighs, wings, legs, or breast
  • 1 cup buttermilk, or whole milk
  • 1 cup Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour, any flavor (you won't use the whole box)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Soak: Place the chicken in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Soak for about 30 minutes.
  • Dredge: Pour the Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour into a large zip-top bag. Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and shake in the bag to coat evenly. Press the coating onto each piece and let it rest 10 minutes so it sets.
  • Prep the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, not touching. Spritz the tops of the chicken with cooking spray — this is what makes the crust crisp.
  • Air fry: Cook at 370°F for 12–15 minutes (18–22 minutes for bone-in drumsticks or thighs), flipping halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Spray any dry, floury spots with a little more oil if needed and cook a few minutes longer.

Equipment

Notes

  • Cook to temperature, not time — always confirm 165°F at the thickest part, especially for bone-in cuts.
  • Gluten-free: Use the separate Kentucky Kernel Gluten-Free seasoned flour. The original flavor contains wheat.
  • Crispier crust: Double-dredge (buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → flour).
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 3–4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to re-crisp.
  • No buttermilk? Use plain milk, or add 1 tsp lemon juice per cup of milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 17gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 2828mgPotassium: 184mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 21mg