air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 8 drumsticks)

Chicken drumsticks are a staple in many households due to their juicy, tender meat and easy-to-eat nature. Cooking them in the air fryer is a game-changer! It yields crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside, all with much less oil than traditional frying. With this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe, you can make the perfect drumsticks every time. It’s an easy, convenient, and healthier way to enjoy chicken, whether for a weeknight meal, a party, or a cozy dinner. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious drumsticks!

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

For Optional Garnishes and Serving:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Extra spices (if you want a spicier or more seasoned touch)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Tongs or tongs for flipping
• Meat thermometer (for checking doneness)
• Small bowl for seasoning
• Pastry brush (if needed for oil)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Drumsticks

Time to prep the chicken: about 5-7 minutes

1. Pat the chicken dry:
   Use a paper towel to pat the drumsticks dry. Drying the chicken is important because it helps achieve crispy skin while cooking, and removes any excess moisture that could cause the drumsticks to steam rather than crisp up.
2. Season the chicken:
   Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken drumsticks. Rub it in well, coating them evenly. If you’re using melted butter, you can use a brush to evenly coat the drumsticks with butter.

   In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the drumsticks, turning them to coat them on all sides.

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Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Time: about 3-5 minutes

1. Preheat your air fryer:
   Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken will cook evenly and gives it that golden, crispy skin right from the start. This step is crucial for getting the best results.

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Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Drumsticks

Time to cook: 25-30 minutes

1. Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket:
   Once your air fryer is preheated, place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure there’s some space between each piece for optimal air circulation. If your air fryer basket is smaller, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
2. Set the cooking time:
   Air fry the drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (about 12-15 minutes in), use tongs to flip the drumsticks to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This is essential for getting a nice, crispy exterior all around.
3. Check the drumsticks for doneness:
   After 25-30 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. The best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   If the drumsticks haven’t reached this temperature yet, return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes and check again.

4. Crisp it up (optional):
   If you want extra-crispy skin, once the chicken has reached the proper temperature, you can cook the drumsticks for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn, but this extra time will ensure the skin is perfectly golden and crunchy.

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Step 4: Serve the Chicken Drumsticks

Time to rest: 5 minutes

1. Rest the chicken:
   After removing the drumsticks from the air fryer, allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy interior.
2. Garnish and serve:
   Garnish the drumsticks with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken with lemon wedges on the side for a touch of freshness. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce.

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Notes:

• Air fryer models vary: The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the model of air fryer you’re using. Some air fryers might cook faster than others, so always keep an eye on the drumsticks as they cook. The important part is to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Avoid overcrowding: It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you place too many drumsticks in at once, the air won’t circulate properly, and the chicken will not cook evenly. You can always cook the drumsticks in batches if needed.
• How to store leftovers:
  If you have leftover chicken drumsticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Can you marinate the chicken?
  Yes! If you have extra time, marinating the drumsticks for a couple of hours or overnight can enhance the flavor. Try a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or use your favorite marinade for extra flavor.
• Bone-in skin-on chicken vs. boneless skinless chicken:
  This recipe is designed for bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks. If you want to use boneless, skinless chicken, the cooking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on it. You’ll also need to adjust the seasoning and marinating time.

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Variations:

• BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
  Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a sweet, tangy glaze to the chicken while keeping it juicy inside. You can brush the BBQ sauce on both sides of the drumsticks for extra flavor.
• Spicy Drumsticks:
  If you love spicy food, add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the cooked drumsticks for an extra spicy kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks:
  After the drumsticks are cooked, toss them in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. This gives them a rich, savory, and cheesy flavor that complements the crispy skin beautifully.
• Lemon Herb Drumsticks:
  For a fresh, zesty flavor, add some lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked drumsticks for a burst of citrus.
• Honey Mustard Drumsticks:
  After cooking, brush the drumsticks with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy finish. This variation adds a great balance of flavors, perfect for those who love a bit of sweetness.

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Air Fryer Tips:

• Avoid using aerosol spray on the basket: Some air fryer manufacturers suggest not using aerosol spray cans (like Pam) as they can damage the non-stick coating. It’s better to use a refillable spray bottle or a pastry brush to coat the food with oil.
• Preheating is key: Preheating your air fryer can make a significant difference in achieving a crispy texture. It ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, rather than gradually heating up.
• Flip for even cooking: Always flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides get equally crispy and golden brown.

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With this Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy deliciously crispy and juicy chicken drumsticks in no time! The air fryer makes it so easy to cook this classic dish with much less oil, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a family gathering, or a game day treat, these drumsticks are sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!