Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a game changer for quick weeknight dinners! All it takes is 20 minutes to get irresistibly crispy skin and juicy, tender chicken. If you’re on the fence about getting an air fryer (I was too!), this air fried chicken recipe might change your mind.
With little to no oil, air fryers can make foods crispy and delicious, making them more and more popular in kitchens. How long to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a question that comes up a lot. If you do it right, air-frying chicken drumsticks will give you juicy, flavorful meat with a great crispy skin.
We’ll tell you about cooking times, temperatures, how to get them ready, and more in this complete guide to help you make perfect chicken drumsticks in your air fryer every time.
Factors That Affect Chicken Drumstick Cook Times
Several factors impact how long chicken drumsticks take to cook in an air fryer including
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Drumstick size – Larger drumsticks take longer to cook through than smaller ones. Opt for evenly sized drumsticks for consistent cooking.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless drumsticks cook faster, in around 20-25 minutes at 400°F. Bone-in takes 25-30 minutes.
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If the chicken is frozen, it takes 30 to 35 minutes to cook at 400°F. If it is thawed, it takes about 25 minutes.
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Quantity—It takes longer to cook a big batch than a small one. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
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Air fryer model – Some air fryers heat up faster and circulate air more efficiently, impacting cook time. Get to know your appliance.
Recommended Time and Temperature
The ideal air fryer temperature for chicken drumsticks is 400°F. At this temperature, the skin gets crispy while the interior cooks through.
For bone-in, fresh or thawed drumsticks, cook for 25-30 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. Frozen drumsticks take 30-35 minutes.
For boneless drumsticks, reduce cook time to 20-25 minutes at 400°F.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. If drumsticks are not quite done, cook for a few more minutes until thermometer reaches 165°F.
Preparation Tips for Best Results
Proper preparation is key for delicious air fryer drumsticks:
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Pat dry – Dry drumsticks thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get extra crispy.
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Use a light coating of oil – Brush or spray drumsticks lightly with oil to aid browning. Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil work well.
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Season well – Season drumsticks liberally with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and other spices.
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Allow to marinate – For extra flavor, marinate drumsticks for 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge.
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Avoid overcrowding – Cook drumsticks in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
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Flip halfway – Flip drumsticks halfway through cook time for even browning and cooking.
Handy Air Fryer Drumstick Tips
Beyond proper cook times, following these tips will take your air fried drumsticks to the next level:
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Let drumsticks rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
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Use a nonstick spray on the fryer basket to prevent sticking.
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Mix up the flavors with creative marinades or dry rubs.
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Serve with dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard or blue cheese.
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
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Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Sample Recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
This simple recipe for crispy, juicy air fryer drumsticks only requires a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
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Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine seasonings. Generously season drumsticks, pressing seasoning into skin.
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Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Check internal temperature, cooking longer if needed until 165°F.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
With the right cook times and a few simple tips, you can easily make mouthwatering chicken drumsticks in your air fryer. Refer to this guide whenever you need a refresher to achieve drumsticks with tender, juicy meat and perfectly crisped skin each time.
Side Dishes for Air Fried Chicken
I’ve found 375 degrees to deliver the best combination of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. This temperature allows the meat to cook thoroughly without the skin burning.
Unfortunately, you can’t stack chicken in an air fryer with consistent results. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so you need space on all sides of the meat in order for it to crisp properly. Most air fryers can hold between 4 and 6 chicken thighs, so if you have a big family, you might have to do it in two batches.
One of the selling points of the air fryer is how little oil you need to get crisp food. I’ve found most recipes benefit from a small amount of oil, but not much. In this recipe, we use about a teaspoon of olive oil on the chicken–just enough to get the seasoning to stick and really help crisp the skin! You can also use cooking spray instead of olive oil if you prefer.
Yes! You can use skinless thighs if you prefer, but you won’t get the crispy skin, which is the best part! If you use boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
My air fryer does not require any preheating, but I always recommend you read your manual for model-specific instructions.
Game Changing Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
When I say that this air fryer chicken recipe has changed the way I make dinner, I really mean it.
I used to always buy a rotisserie chicken from the store when I was making things like 30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup or Cranberry Chicken Salad. Now, I take 5 minutes to put these chicken thighs in the air fryer, and they’re done by the time the other ingredients are prepped. Game. Changing.
For lunch, I LOVE that I can just put one or two chicken thighs in the air fryer without having to heat up the oven or make a huge mess. I can eat them by themselves or cut them up and put them in chicken tortilla soup, apple bacon kale salads, or springtime avocado toasts.
20 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Will Change Your Life For Good
FAQ
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in air fryer?
The best temperature for cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the skin to become crispy while ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly. Generally, chicken drumsticks need about 25 to 30 minutes of cooking time. Follow these steps for consistency: Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
What temperature do you cook drumsticks in an air fryer?
When cooking drumsticks, it’s recommended to set your air fryer to a temperature of around 190°C (375°F). This temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked through while still achieving a delicious golden brown exterior. The cooking times for drumsticks in an air fryer can vary depending on their size and the specific air fryer model.
How long do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Now, if you want to get even better at using an air fryer, read these tips that teach you more than just how to cook chicken. When making boneless chicken in an air fryer, cook for 12-15 minutes. For bone-in chicken, cook for 20-25 minutes.
How do you cook chicken drumsticks in a frying pan?
If you prefer your chicken drumsticks to have a crispy and golden exterior, you can follow a two-step cooking process. Start by air frying the chicken drumsticks for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they are fully cooked.
Should you use thawed drumsticks in an air fryer?
To make sure the food cooks evenly and there is enough air flow, you need to either increase the cooking time or cook it in several batches if you’re making a bigger batch. It’s best to use thawed drumsticks when cooking in an air fryer for optimal results.
How do you reheat drumsticks in an air fryer?
To reheat and retain crispiness, follow these steps: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help restore some of the original crispiness, making your leftovers as delicious as the first time around.
How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 180C. Lay the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 10–12 minutes until they are crispy and charred. Serve with a potato salad and green crunchy leaves.