Delicious and Easy Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe – Crispy, Juicy

An Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe is a perfect way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal oil. To prepare, start by seasoning your drumsticks with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite spices. For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The result is golden, crispy skin on the outside, with juicy, tender meat on the inside. You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, adding a bit of paprika for smokiness or a dash of cayenne for some heat. This Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe is quick, easy, and delivers a healthier version of fried chicken, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Delicious and Easy Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Perfect Every Time

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing flavor or texture. One of the best things you can prepare in an air fryer is drumsticks. Air fryer drumsticks come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing a delightful and quick meal for anyone. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Air frying drumsticks is not only simple but also requires less oil compared to conventional frying, making it a healthier choice. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, which helps create a crispy outer layer while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. Whether you’re new to air frying or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you create the perfect air fryer drumsticks every time.

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Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken drumsticks (about 1 lb)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Drumsticks: Begin by washing and patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Drying the drumsticks is crucial to achieving a crispy texture when air frying. Removing excess moisture ensures that the skin crisps up well during cooking.
2. Season the Drumsticks: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and baking powder (if using). You can adjust the seasoning to your personal preference or even add a little cayenne pepper for some heat. Rub the seasoning mix all over the drumsticks, ensuring that they are well-coated on every side. You can also brush the drumsticks with a thin layer of olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to enhance the crispiness.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot when the chicken is placed inside, helping to achieve a crispy exterior.
4. Arrange the Drumsticks: Place the seasoned drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; if needed, cook in batches to allow for even cooking. Leave space between the drumsticks to allow the hot air to circulate freely around the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly.
5. Air Fry the Drumsticks: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the model of your air fryer, so check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Check for Crispiness: If the drumsticks aren’t as crispy as you’d like, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes or until the desired crispiness is achieved. Some air fryers allow you to adjust the temperature for the final few minutes to further crisp up the skin.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the drumsticks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. Serve your air fryer drumsticks with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 230-270 kcal (depending on size and amount of oil used)
• Protein: 20-24g
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350-450mg

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

The prep time includes gathering the ingredients, seasoning the drumsticks, and allowing them to marinate (if you choose). You can also skip marinating and go straight to cooking if you’re short on time.

Active Time: 25-30 minutes

Active time involves cooking the chicken in the air fryer. You’ll need to monitor the progress, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, and checking for doneness.

Resting Time: 5 minutes

Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking. This ensures the juices stay inside, making the meat juicy and flavorful.

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

This includes both preparation and cooking time. The total time is still much shorter than traditional oven roasting or deep frying, making it a perfect quick meal.

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Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

This recipe is an American favorite that blends comfort food with the ease and health benefits of air frying. It’s perfect for a family dinner, weekend cookout, or even as a snack.

Course: Main Course, Dinner

These crispy drumsticks make an ideal main course for any meal. You can pair them with a variety of sides to complete your dinner.

Servings: 4

This recipe serves about 4 people, assuming each person has one or two drumsticks. Adjust the recipe for more servings if needed.

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Equipment:

• Air Fryer
• Tongs (for flipping the drumsticks)
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for checking doneness)
• Small bowl for mixing seasonings
• Paper towels (for drying the chicken)

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Drumsticks:

• Even Cooking: To ensure your drumsticks cook evenly, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Add Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy texture, lightly dust the chicken with a bit of cornstarch or baking powder before seasoning.
• Marinating Option: For deeper flavor, marinate the drumsticks for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. A marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well.
• Flipping: Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up on all sides. This step is essential for even cooking.

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Variations:

• Spicy Drumsticks: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix for a spicier kick.
• BBQ Drumsticks: Brush the drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a tangy glaze.
• Herb Drumsticks: Add more herbs like rosemary, basil, or sage for a fresh, fragrant flavor.

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Conclusion:

Air fryer drumsticks are an easy, quick, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this air fryer drumstick recipe is versatile, customizable, and a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat, all without the extra calories and mess of deep frying!