Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

, from Issue #119. February, 2025
Photography by Yuki Sato.
Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

If you like fried chicken but want to ditch the oil, these crispy-on-the-outside drumsticks with tender and juicy meat are calling your name.

Makes: 6 Drumsticks

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup grated parmesan
1 teaspoon each dried oregano and smoked paprika
sea salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, crushed
6 chicken drumsticks
olive oil cooking spray
mayo and sriracha hot sauce, to serve

METHOD

Put the panko, parmesan, oregano and paprika in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the oil then toss everything together with your fingertips to make slightly damp crumbs. The dampness helps them adhere to the chicken.

Stir the mustard and garlic together in a second bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Pat the chicken dry with kitchen towels. Brush the drums all over with the mustard mixture then sprinkle over the crumbs, gently pressing them on to adhere.

Preheat the air fryer to 170°C on air fry.

Put the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray with an oil mister. Cook the chicken for about 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked.

TO SERVE: Serve with a bowl of mayo swirled with sriracha hot sauce for dipping.