Crispy Thai-style deep-fried chicken drumsticks with golden, crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat inside. This is the kind of chicken that disappears quickly from the table!
What makes these so good
The secret is in the simple marinade and the flour coating. You only need a few ingredients to give the chicken plenty of flavor and a crunchy outside.
A simple marinade
This is a Thai-style marinade made with fish sauce, sugar and black pepper.
No buttermilk needed
This fried chicken drumsticks recipe uses a seasoned flour mixture instead of a buttermilk coating. It gives the chicken a thin, crispy outer layer when fried. This is common in Thai chicken recipes, like my Hat Yai fried chicken and Thai fried chicken.
Give the chicken time to marinate
I recommend at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This gives the fish sauce time to season the drumsticks before they go into the hot oil.
Praew ♡
How long to deep fry chicken drumsticks?
Deep fry chicken drumsticks at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning them occasionally until golden brown. Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
my COOKBOOK
My cookbook brings together authentic Thai recipes and Western favorites made with Thai flavors. It’s a lovely place to start if you want to cook more Thai food at home.
Ingredient notes & substitutes
- Chicken drumsticks: I like using drumsticks because they’re juicy and easy to pick up and eat. You can use other chicken pieces, but the cooking time will change depending on their size.
- Fish sauce: This is the main seasoning in the marinade. It gives the chicken its salty, savory Thai flavor. Different brands vary in saltiness, but I always use Megachef.
- White sugar: A little sweetness balances the saltiness in the fish sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild peppery flavor to the chicken.
- Tempura flour: This flour is made for frying and helps give the chicken a crunchy coating. Cornstarch or rice flour can also be used, although the texture may be different.
You can find most of these ingredients at Thai markets and Asian grocery stores. The exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to make deep fried drumsticks
1. Mix the marinade. Combine the fish sauce, sugar, black pepper and tempura flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is evenly combined.
2. Coat and marinate the chicken. Add the drumsticks and turn them until they’re coated all over. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat the oil. Bring your frying oil to 350°F (175°C). The temperature matters: oil that’s too cool can leave the coating greasy, while oil that’s too hot can brown the outside before the meat near the bone has cooked through.
4. Fry the drumsticks. Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, working in batches so the pot isn’t crowded. Fry for approximately 12–15 minutes, turning the drumsticks occasionally so they brown evenly.
5. Drain and serve. Transfer the drumsticks to a wire rack set over a tray so excess oil can drip away. Let them rest briefly, then serve while the coating is still crisp.
Tips for frying chicken legs
How to serve
These fried chicken drumsticks make a great appetizer or snack. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce like Thai sweet chili sauce or Thai chicken dipping sauce.
For a complete dinner, I like serving them with sticky rice, a spicy Thai salad, and some fresh vegetables.
How to store & reheat leftovers
Fried chicken is best served fresh while the coating is crunchy. If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them.
Refrigerate
Freeze
Reheat
Tried this deep fried chicken legs recipe?
Your feedback helps me and other home cooks. Leave a rating and share how you made it your own!
Leave a ReviewDeep Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pan or deep-fryer
- Kitchen tongs
- Wire rack or paper towels
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon tempura flour, cornstarch or rice flour are good substitutes
Instructions
- Combine the fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and crispy flour in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chicken drumsticks and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the drumsticks in batches. Deep-fry for approximately 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite Thai dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Serve as a tasty appetizer, optionally with a sweet chili sauce, or as a side-dish with other food. As a main-dish, serve with steamed rice or sticky rice.
- Before cooking, make sure to read the ‘Tips for the most crispy drumsticks ever’ section in the recipe post.
what is Fish sauce???
Hey, Geri. Fish sauce is a salty, fermented condiment that adds umami. It’s one of the most important ingredients in Thai cuisine!