Part 1: Preparing the Chicken (Universal Steps)

1. Pre-Dry the Chicken: This is CRUCIAL for crispy skin. Remove the chicken drumsticks from their packaging. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Get into all the nooks and crannies. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become. Let them sit on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the fridge, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours if you have time. This further dries out the skin.
2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well incorporated. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
3. Oil and Season the Chicken: Place the thoroughly dried drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil (or avocado oil) and toss to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Use your hands to rub the seasoning all over each drumsticks, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Part 2: Cooking the Chicken – Choose Your Method

Method A: Oven-Baked for Classic Crispiness

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup). The wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the drumsticks, promoting even cooking and crisping.
2. Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
3. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks using tongs.
4. Continue Baking: Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. For even crispier skin and potentially higher internal temp (drumsticks can handle it, up to 185°F for fall-off-the-bone tender), you can increase oven temp to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes.

Method B: Air Fryer for Quicker Crisping

1. Preheat Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken start crisping immediately.
2. Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
3. Air Fry: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15 minutes.
4. Flip and Continue: Open the air fryer, flip the drumsticks with tongs, and continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy, and the internal temperature registers at least 165°F (74°C) – again, 175-185°F is great for drumsticks.

Part 3: Making the Buffalo Sauce (While Chicken Cooks)

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot Original sauce, white vinegar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Keep Warm: Whisk until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Keep it warm over very low heat or set aside if the chicken is almost ready. If it separates, a quick whisk will bring it back together.

Part 4: Saucing the Drumsticks

1. Rest Briefly (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, you can let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.
2. Toss with Sauce: Place the hot, cooked drumsticks in a large, clean bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the warm Buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated in that glorious sauce. Use tongs for this to keep your hands clean and to handle the hot chicken safely.
3. Optional Second Crisp/Caramelization (Highly Recommended!):

   • Oven Method: Return the sauced drumsticks to the wire rack and place them back in the 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or under the broiler (watch VERY carefully to prevent burning) for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized onto the chicken.
   • Air Fryer Method: Return the sauced drumsticks to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is set and slightly tacky.

4. Serve Immediately: Arrange the sauced drumsticks on a platter. Serve immediately with the remaining Buffalo sauce on the side for dipping, along with your favorite accompaniments like blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.