Marinate the chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks. Place them in a bowl, pour buttermilk over them, and season with half the salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6 chicken drumsticks, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 2 cups buttermilk
Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining salt and pepper.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
Dredge the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken for a crispy crust.
Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Fry the chicken: Carefully place a few pieces in the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pot). Fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
vegetable oil
Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep it crispy. Let it rest before serving.