Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Drumsticks (Air Fryer / Oven)

Ingredients

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups whole buttermilk (see note for low FODMAP options)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (homemade or store-bought), low FODMAP if needed
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Avocado oil cooking spray (or your preferred cooking spray)
• Freshly chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

1. 1

   Season with salt: 24 hours before cooking, dry chicken drumsticks with paper towels, sprinkle generously with kosher salt, and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Make marinade: Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk with kosher salt as well as any desired ingredients under the optional add-ins list.

3. 3

   Marinate in buttermilk: Place the chicken drumsticks in a gallon-sized zip top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the buttermilk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is coated thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 24 hours. If using a bag and the legs aren’t fully coated, flip the bag over halfway through the marinating time (see note).

4. 4

   Remove from fridge: 20 minutes prior to cooking, remove the marinated chicken drumsticks from the refrigerator and let them sit in their marinade at room temperature for 20 minutes.

5. 5

   If using the air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray air fryer basket or cooking trays with cooking spray (I use an Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10-quart Air Fryer, but smaller air fryers will work). Remove chicken drumsticks one at a time from the marinade, gently shaking off the excess marinade into the bag, and arrange in the basket / trays, leaving space between each drumstick (depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping (and rotating the trays, if applicable) halfway through, or until the internal temperature of the largest drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) per an instant read thermometer.

6. 6

   If using the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place oven rack in center position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Remove chicken drumsticks one at a time from the marinade, gently shaking off the excess marinade into the bag, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature of the thickest drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) per an instant read thermometer.

7. 7

   Remove and rest: Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer or oven and let rest for 5 minutes prior to serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.