How Many Calories Are In One Fried Drum Stick? A Nutritional Breakdown

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a fried chicken drumstick is not a single, universal number, with variations often exceeding 100 calories depending on preparation. Understanding how many calories are in one fried drum stick requires a closer look at the specific cooking method, the size of the piece, and whether the skin and any breading are included.

Quick Summary

A typical medium fried chicken drumstick with skin and breading contains approximately 200 calories. The exact amount varies significantly based on size, the presence of skin, and the type of coating used.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard medium fried drumstick with skin and breading contains approximately 200 calories.
Skin and Breading Increase Calories: Removing the skin and breading can drastically reduce the calorie count, sometimes by over 100 calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Deep frying adds the most calories, while alternatives like air-frying or baking are significantly healthier.
Nutritional Composition: Fried drumsticks provide protein but are also high in fat and sodium due to the cooking process.
Healthier Alternatives: For a lower-calorie meal, consider baked, grilled, or air-fried drumsticks, and remove the skin.
Fat and Sodium Content: Be aware of the added fat and high sodium levels, especially in fast-food versions.
Portion Control: Limiting yourself to a controlled portion, like two drumsticks, can help with weight management.

The Core Calorie Count: What to Expect

For a standard, medium-sized fried chicken drumstick, the calorie count typically hovers around 200 calories. This figure is based on a piece that includes the skin and has been coated in a fast-food style breading. However, it is crucial to recognize that this is merely an average. The actual number can be much higher or lower based on a few key variables, which we will explore in detail.

The Impact of Skin and Breading

One of the most significant factors influencing the calorie count of a fried drumstick is whether the skin is left on and if it is breaded or coated. Chicken skin contains a large amount of fat, and when fried, it soaks up a considerable amount of additional oil, further increasing the fat and calorie content. Breading adds carbohydrates and more fat, acting like a sponge for the oil it's cooked in. For a leaner option, many choose to remove the skin, which can dramatically lower the fat and calorie intake. A fast-food fried drumstick with the skin and breading removed can contain as few as 96 calories, highlighting the impact of these components.

Comparison of Preparation Methods

Deep frying is known for adding the most calories due to the high fat content from the cooking oil. In contrast, healthier alternatives like baking, grilling, or air-frying can significantly reduce the overall calorie count. An air-fried drumstick, for example, offers a crispy result with a fraction of the oil used in deep frying, often coming in at 120-150 calories for a medium piece. The cooking method you choose is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the nutritional value of your meal.

A Comparison Table of Drumstick Preparations


Preparation Method	Skin and Breading	Average Calories (Medium Drumstick)	Protein (approx.)	Fat (approx.)
Deep-Fried	With Skin and Breading	~200 calories	16g	13g
Deep-Fried	Without Skin and Breading	~100-120 calories	15g	4g
Air-Fried	With Skin and Seasoning	120-150 calories	Varies	Varies
Baked	With Skin and Seasoning	160-180 calories	Varies	Varies

Full Nutritional Profile

Beyond just calories, a fried drumstick offers a broader nutritional picture. While the frying process adds fat and sodium, the chicken meat itself is a great source of high-quality protein. It also contains essential nutrients such as selenium, phosphorus, iron, and B vitamins like niacin and B6. For example, a 75g fried drumstick with skin and breading contains about 16g of protein, 13g of fat, and a notable amount of sodium. Those watching their intake should be mindful of these other nutritional aspects, especially sodium levels, which can be high in fast-food preparations.

Healthier Ways to Prepare and Enjoy Drumsticks

If you're a fan of drumsticks but are conscious of your calorie and fat intake, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them more healthily. Baking or grilling instead of frying is a primary recommendation. You can still achieve a crispy finish by using an air fryer, or by baking on a wire rack to allow fat to drip away. Using a low-carb coating made from ground almonds or spices instead of traditional breading is another way to reduce calories and carbs. Pairing your drumsticks with a large vegetable salad or roasted vegetables is an excellent strategy for a balanced and satisfying meal. The key is mindful preparation and portion control.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The answer to "how many calories are in one fried drum stick?" is nuanced and depends on the preparation. A fast-food, breaded drumstick with skin is likely around 200 calories, but options exist for those seeking a lower-calorie alternative. By being mindful of ingredients and cooking methods, you can enjoy a delicious drumstick while aligning with your dietary goals. For reliable nutritional data, consulting sources like the USDA is a good practice.

Note: The calorie values can vary depending on the specific recipe, size of the drumstick, and exact cooking oil used. Always consider your specific food preparation when counting calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fast-food style fried chicken drumstick without the skin and breading contains significantly fewer calories, often around 96-120 calories for a medium piece, as much of the fat and carbs are removed.

Yes, the size and weight of the drumstick have a direct impact on the calorie count. A larger drumstick will naturally have more calories than a smaller one.

Yes, a baked drumstick is generally healthier. Baking uses less added fat, resulting in a lower calorie count compared to deep frying, which causes the chicken to absorb more oil.

The calorie count for a fast-food drumstick, like from KFC, is typically within the 200-calorie range, but this can vary based on specific restaurant recipes and portion sizes.

The calorie difference is considerable. A deep-fried drumstick with skin can be around 200 calories, while an air-fried version, which uses less oil, can range from 120-150 calories.

Removing the skin significantly reduces the fat and calorie content, making it a healthier option. The remaining meat still provides good protein but with less fat.

To reduce calories, consider baking or air-frying instead of deep frying. You can also use healthier coatings like ground almonds instead of traditional breading and always remove the skin.