Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Delicious

The Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, crispy drumsticks without the mess of traditional frying. Begin by seasoning your chicken drumsticks with your favorite spices—garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work wonderfully. Lightly coat the drumsticks with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking. Air fry the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This recipe delivers perfectly cooked drumsticks with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat inside. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying, using much less oil while still achieving that satisfying crunch. Enjoy these Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal!

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Delicious in Just 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, look no further than this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe. The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that has quickly become a favorite for its ability to produce crispy and delicious dishes without the need for deep frying. By using hot air circulation, the air fryer cooks food with less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This recipe will guide you through how to make perfect chicken drumsticks in your air fryer, delivering all the flavor and crunch you crave, while cutting down on the fat.

Chicken drumsticks are an affordable and versatile cut of chicken that can be cooked in a variety of ways. The beauty of cooking them in the air fryer is the crispiness you can achieve on the skin, without sacrificing the tenderness of the meat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, air fryer chicken drumsticks will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• 6-8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.

Prep Time

• 10 minutes

Active Time

• 25-30 minutes (cooking time)

Resting Time

• 5 minutes (to allow juices to redistribute)

Cuisines

• American
• Comfort food

Course

• Main Course

Servings

• 4 servings (2 drumsticks per serving)

Calories

• Approximately 250 calories per serving (2 drumsticks)

Total Time

• 40 minutes (10 minutes prep + 25-30 minutes cook + 5 minutes resting)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Tongs (optional, for flipping)
• Cooking brush (optional, for oil)
• Cooking spray (optional, to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy skin. Once dry, place the drumsticks in a large bowl or on a tray.
2. Season the Drumsticks: Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and rub it in evenly with your hands or a brush. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper over the chicken. Rub the seasonings in so that each drumstick is well coated. For a more intense flavor, let the seasoned drumsticks sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Some models don’t require preheating, but it’s always a good idea to check your air fryer’s manual to see if it’s recommended.
4. Cook the Drumsticks: Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the drumsticks using tongs or a fork to ensure even crisping. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the skin is golden and crispy.
6. Rest the Chicken: Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
7. Serve: Serve your air fryer chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

• Dry the chicken: As mentioned, drying the drumsticks before seasoning them helps the skin crisp up better.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• Add a glaze: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the chicken with a glaze (such as honey BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Try different seasonings: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs, such as cumin, oregano, or rosemary, for a unique twist.

Variations

• BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a smoky and tangy flavor.
• Spicy Drumsticks: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Lemon and Herb Drumsticks: Substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Crispy Skin Variation: For an extra crispy skin, lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking spray just before air frying.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fast yet satisfying meal.
• Healthy: Since the air fryer uses little to no oil, the chicken is much healthier compared to deep-fried alternatives, yet still crispy and flavorful.
• Minimal Clean-Up: The air fryer basket is easy to clean, and you won’t have to deal with splatters of oil all over the kitchen.

Conclusion

This air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken without all the grease and mess of deep frying. With simple ingredients, a few seasonings, and just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious and healthy meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re new to the air fryer or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and experience the magic of air frying!