How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Legs

Fried chicken legs are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. When cooked right, they have an irresistible crispy crust and juicy, tender meat inside. If you want to make restaurant-quality fried chicken legs at home follow these simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make crispy fried chicken legs

• Chicken legs – Chicken legs, also called drumsticks, provide the protein and texture. Use fresh, high quality chicken legs for the best results.

• Flour – All-purpose flour is used to create the crispy coating on the chicken. Breadcrumbs or cornmeal can also be used.

• Spices – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and other spices add flavor to the chicken and flour coating.

• Buttermilk – Soaking the chicken in buttermilk makes the meat extra juicy and tender.

• Eggs – Used to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.

• Oil – Peanut, vegetable, canola, or corn oil work well for frying at high heat.

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven – Use a heavy bottomed pot at least 6 inches deep for frying.

• Frying thermometer – Essential for monitoring oil temperature.

• Tongs and slotted spoon – For safely moving the chicken in the hot oil.

• Wire cooling rack – Lets fried chicken drain instead of getting soggy.

• Bowls – For the flour coating, buttermilk, and egg wash.

Prep the Chicken

Start by rinsing the chicken and patting it completely dry. This helps the flour coating stick better. Trim off any excess fat or skin. Next, season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge.

When ready to bread and fry, set up your flour mixture and buttermilk in separate bowls. For the flour, use a blend of all-purpose flour, spices, and a pinch of baking powder. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk, then dredge it in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, and coat again in flour. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.

Fry the Chicken Legs

Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in your pot. Gently add a few chicken legs, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F indicates doneness. Drain the chicken on a wire rack. Bring the oil back up to temperature before frying another batch.

Tips for Crispy Perfection

Follow these tips for perfectly fried chicken every time:

• Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F.

• Allow 1/2 inch space around each chicken leg for even cooking.

• Use a light breading so coating doesn’t get too thick.

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes after frying for optimal crispness.

• Fry in batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping.

• Use fresh, high quality oil each time for best flavor.

• Season flour coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

Fried chicken legs taste delicious on their own but pair well with sides like:

• Coleslaw – Cool, crisp coleslaw complements the chicken.

• Biscuits – Buttery, warm biscuits are a classic Southern pairing.

• Mac and cheese – The rich, cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

• Potato salad – Creamy potato salad balances the crunchiness.

• Collard greens – Earthy, savory greens are a soul food staple.

So grab your ingredients and fire up that fryer! In less than an hour, you can make crispy, juicy fried chicken legs that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite fixings for an easy, delicious meal.

To make crispy fried chicken, you’ll need chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika, and oil for frying.