This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe gets you juicy, golden, well-seasoned chicken with crunchy skin without all the extra oil of deep frying. It’s quick, easy and loaded with spices, perfect for a hassle-free dinner or as a crowd-pleasing snack!
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumstick
I stumbled upon the magic of air fryer chicken drumsticks when I was wanting packaged crunchy, tasty chicken minus the sin of frying. After spending some time trying out a few different seasonings and cook times, I finally found a combination that produces golden, crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat time and time again.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in our family, particularly on hectic weeknights when we wanted something delicious but easy to pull together. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, salad, or simply as is — these crispy drumsticks are always a winner!
Main Ingredients
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Chicken drumsticks – The centerpiece of the dish; juicy and tender meat.
- Flour — Forms a delicate, crispy shell for additional texture.
- Baking powder — Encourages skin to crisp up and helps create a light, airy texture.
- Olive oil — allows the seasoning to stick to the chicken and helps crispify it.
- Paprika — Introduces a mildly smoky taste and deepens the golden tone.
- Onion powder — Contributes gentle sweetness and added umami.
- Salt.
- Black pepper.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a spicy kick if you like more heat.
Instructions to Cook Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
- 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!
Pro Tips
- Add Baking Powder for More Crisp – The baking powder mixed in with the flour helps give you a light, fluffy coating that crisps up evenly in the air fryer.
- Don’t Pack the Basket — Place the drumsticks in a single layer with space between them so air can circulate and they cook evenly with maximum crispiness.
- Flip for Even Browning — With three sticks, turning the drumsticks halfway through cooking ensures that a golden, crispy outer crust goes all the way around.
- Pat the Chicken Dry Before Coating — Taking extra care to dry the drumsticks well before brushing them with olive oil helps the seasoning and flour mixture stick better, for a crispier end result.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Buffalo Drumsticks — No need for flour or baking powder here: just toss the cooked drumsticks in melted butter mixed with buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy kick. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Gluten-Free Option – You can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to remain crispy and delicious while keeping the whole recipe gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
You air-fry chicken drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are crispy golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and air fryer model.
Marinating is not necessary, but highly recommended if you want an added punch of flavor and juiciness; try to let them soak in a marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight. If you don’t have much time to spare, a dry rub seasoning does the trick beautifully, and you’ll still come out with flavorful chicken that’s deliciously crispy.
Yes, you can substitute chicken wings, though they cook more quickly—air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Wings crisp nicely without coating with flour or baking powder, since they have more skin.
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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