Crispy baked chicken drumsticks

• 8 chicken drumstickspat dry with paper towels
• 120 g panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbs avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large large eggsbeaten
• 1 tbs Dijon mustard

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Set a wire rack inside a sheet pan and lightly coat the rack with a little avocado oil so the drumsticks don't stick.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne, 1 tsp of the salt, and the black pepper. Drizzle in 2 tbs of the avocado oil and toss until the panko looks evenly moistened and slightly sandy — this is what gives you the crunch.

   Tip: Moistening the panko with oil before coating means it toasts in the oven instead of just drying out.

3. 3

   In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, remaining 1 tbs avocado oil, and the remaining 0.5 tsp salt until smooth.

4. 4

   Pat the drumsticks dry again if needed — dry surface means better coating adhesion. Dip each drumstick into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then roll it firmly in the seasoned panko, pressing gently so the crumbs stick all over. Place on the prepared rack.

   Tip: Press the crumbs in with your palm rather than just rolling — it makes a thicker, more even crust.

5. 5

   Bake for 35-40 minutes until the coating is deep golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick (away from the bone) reads 74°C (165°F). Don't flip them — the rack lets hot air circulate underneath so the bottom crisps up on its own.

   Tip: If the coating looks pale at the 30-minute mark, switch to the broiler for the last 3-4 minutes to get that deep golden color.

6. 6

   Let the drumsticks rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving — this keeps the juices inside and lets the crust firm up even more.

• sheet pan (half-sheet (18x13 inch))
• wire rack
• mixing bowl (large)
• instant-read thermometer

Per serving

Nutritional values are estimates only.