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Ultra-Crunch Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ultra-Crunch Buttermilk Fried Chicken features juicy, tender drumsticks encased in a crackling crust with a gentle cayenne heat. The buttermilk bath and seasoned flour create layers of crisp texture that stay crunchy, making it ideal for picnics, game day spreads, or a weekend family dinner.

  • Prep15 mins
  • Cook15 mins
  • Serves8
  • DifficultyMedium
Ultra-Crunch Buttermilk Fried Chicken
  1. 1

    Stir cold water and kosher salt in a large bowl until the salt dissolves. Add the chicken legs. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

  2. 2

    Take the bowl out of the refrigerator; drain and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

  3. 3

    Put the chicken legs in a plastic bag with 1 cup all-purpose flour and shake to coat them.

  4. 4

    Pour buttermilk into one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne. Dip each chicken leg in the buttermilk; transfer to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly.

  5. 5

    Heat canola oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. 6

    Fry the chicken legs in batches in the hot oil until the bone is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).