I've made these air fryer chicken drumsticks several times in both my air fryer baskets and air fryer ovens, and they always turn out perfectly! It's one of my family's favorite dishes.
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Quick And Easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumstick Recipe
It was amazing the first time we used the air fryer to make chicken drumsticks. They have a crispy exterior and a juicy, soft interior.
They take less than 20 minutes to prepare in the air fryer, making them quick and simple.
The skin is crunchy and the meat is delicious in every bite. They are ideal for hectic weekday meals and are simple to grab and consume on the fly.
Ingredients
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Chicken Drumsticks: To achieve crispier chicken drumsticks, leave the skin on.
- Brush with olive oil before coating.
- All-purpose flour is ideal for creating crispy skin.
- Use baking powder or corn starch
- Paprika to add a subtle earthy flavor.
- You can use garlic powder instead of onion powder for a slightly different flavor.
- I prefer kosher salt, and black pepper adds a touch of flavor.
- Optional spices: For a more spicy drumstick, replace chili powder for onion powder. If you want them hot, add some cayenne pepper.
- Optional garnish: parsley flakes.
How To Cook Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
- STEP 1: Use a paper towel to pat the drumsticks dry before lightly sprinkling them with olive oil. The drumsticks should be put in a big Ziploc bag.
- Step 2: Next, combine the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Shake the bag until the spice mixture covers the drumsticks.
- STEP 3: To keep the drumsticks from sticking, either mist the basket with cooking spray or lightly cover it with olive oil.
- STEP 4: move the coated drumsticks from the bag into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to stack or overlap., move the coated drumsticks from the bag into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to stack or overlap.
- Step 5: Air fried for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning halfway through.
- Step 6: The chicken is done when it is crispy and golden brown, and when the internal temperature of an instant-read meat thermometer reaches 165°.
Tips For The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- The skin of chicken drumsticks aids in the chicken's crispy texture. Although it won't be as crispy, skinless chicken will still taste great.
- When cooking meat in an air fryer, use an instant-read meat thermometer to determine when the meat is done. By using a thermometer, you may quickly and simply check the doneness of meat, avoiding overcooking or tough or dry meat.
- To make cleanup easier, use a silicone liner.
- In batches, prepare the chicken. Avoid overlapping or touching drumsticks in the basket to get the skin crispy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Easy to eat by the bone, chicken drumsticks can also be served with your preferred dipping sauces, like honey mustard, ranch dressing, spicy sauce, or even barbecue sauce.
- For added taste, mix the flour with seasonings like Italian or Ranch seasoning before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drumsticks and chicken legs have dark meat. But although drumsticks are the lower portion of the leg without the thigh, chicken legs have the thigh as part of the component. Drumsticks are ideal for feeding larger households because they are among the cheapest yet most flavorful meats.
Before storing the drumsticks, let them cool. After allowing them to cool to room temperature, store them in the refrigerator for three to four days in an airtight container.
Air-fried chicken drumsticks can be reheated by putting them back in the air fryer and cooking them for three to five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
I rotate the top of the chicken, which is closest to my oven's fan, by flipping it. This guarantees even cooking.
Since they go well with practically any beloved side dish, chicken drumsticks are a simple dinner preparation. French fries, Cheesy Potato Wedges, or roasted potatoes in an air fryer would all be delectable.
If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (or legs)
INGREDIENTS
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or of thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brush with Olive Oil – Gently brush the chicken drumsticks in olive oil to help the seasoning and coating stick as well as encourage crisp goodness.
- Season the Chicken – In a bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper, dried oregano (or thyme) and cayenne pepper (if used) then massage the seasoning evenly on the drumsticks.
- Coat with Flour & Baking Powder – Mix together flour and baking powder in a secondary bowl to lightly dredge each drumstick for a crispy exterior.
- Prepare for Air Fryer Cooking Instructions Preheat the Air Fryer – Heat up your air fryer to the recommended temperature (approximately 400°F/200°C) for a few minutes to get even cooking results.
- Arrange & Cook – Add the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, don’t crowd them. Cook about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & enjoy – Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
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