These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are beautifully crispy, super easy to make, and can be seasoned however you like. They make a great lunch or dinner any day of the week and come out nothing short of perfect every single time. Thank you Air Fryer!!!.
I’ve either lived with my parents – where I was lucky enough to be fed delicious home cooked meals on the daily that I never had to worry or even think about cooking myself until I moved out. Or, I’ve lived in small condos or apartments in Toronto that didn’t have enough space for a freezer bigger than the one that came with the fridge (“not big enough to hold everything I want it to”).
Since I now live in a house with a lot more space than my boyfriend and I need, my deep freezer is one of the things I love the most and couldn’t live without. Is this 32? I always make sure to keep it stocked to the brim with a selection of meats and seafood that’ll make up some guaranteed delicious dinners.
And one thing you can always bet to find in my deep freezer is chicken drumsticks. They are so simple to make, go with almost any side dish, and the seasoning can be changed all the time, so each time you eat them, it tastes like a completely different dish.
So, whether you decide to make your own cookbook featuring easy recipes or are just looking for a hit recipe to feed entire family, these air fried chicken drumsticks are so simple and quick to make.
Along with my deep freezer, my other most prized kitchen possession has got to be my air fryer. And I really hope you’ve also jumped on the air fryer bandwagon by this point. I mean, there’s just so much you can do with it.
Like make the crispiest french fries on the planet. Or make pub style chicken wings right in the comfort of your own home. You can perfectly cook up some spaghetti squash in half the time you can in the oven. And you can even flawlessly cook things like chicken breast, meatloaf, and brussels sprouts.
There ain’t no limit to what you can do with air fryers. And since getting mine, I must admit that I hardly turn on the oven anymore. Sure, oven baked chicken drumsticks are also delicious, don’t get me wrong. But there’s just something about the added crispiness and simplicity of using an air fryer that just hits different.
You feel me? I guarantee that these air fryer chicken drumsticks will soon earn their spot at the top of your favourite ways to cook them.
Chicken drumsticks are a classic favorite for their juicy meat and crispy skin when cooked just right While deep frying can achieve that signature crunch, it comes with a lot of excess oil and calories This is where the air fryer comes in – allowing you to make deliciously crispy chicken drumsticks without the mess and unhealthiness of deep frying. But how long should you air fry drumsticks to perfection? Read on for tips, timing, and techniques to help you make mouthwatering air fryer drumsticks every time.
What is an Air Fryer and How Does it Work?
An air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation to cook food with little to no oil. It works via convection, blowing hot air around the food to produce a crispy outer layer. The food cooks quickly and evenly while retaining moisture on the inside. Air frying chicken drumsticks gives you all the flavors and textures of deep fried chicken but is a much healthier cooking method.
Air fryers have a big fan, a small basket, and a heating element. The heating element superheats the air up to 400°F. The fan moves this hot air around the drumsticks in the basket, cooking them until they are golden brown and crispy. The perforated basket allows optimal airflow for quick, even cooking.
Choosing Your Chicken Drumsticks
When selecting drumsticks for air frying opt for fresh high-quality chicken. Free-range and organic is best for maximum flavor and nutrition. The size of the drumsticks will impact cook time, so choose similarly sized pieces for even cooking. Chicken drumsticks with the skin on are ideal, as the skin will get deliciously crispy in the air fryer.
The Importance of Prepping and Seasoning
Proper prep is key for the best air fried drumsticks. Start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture that can inhibit browning. After that, add salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. For extra flavor, you could add paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or cajun seasoning. They can also be marinated to make them more juicy. For a Mediterranean marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Before air-frying, let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
What Temperature Should You Use?
Ideally, air fry chicken drumsticks at 400°F. This high heat evenly cooks the meat while crisping up the skin. Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the drumsticks so it reaches the proper temperature.
How Long to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks
The average air fryer drumsticks cooking time is around 25-30 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Smaller drumsticks may cook slightly quicker, while larger pieces may take a bit longer. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. If the drumsticks are not quite done, continue cooking, checking the temperature every 5 minutes until ready.
Here are more timing specifics depending on if your drumsticks are fresh or frozen:
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Fresh drumsticks: Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway at 12-15 minutes.
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Frozen drumsticks: Add 5 extra minutes, cooking 30-35 minutes total. The frozen meat will take longer to heat and brown.
No matter what, always verify doneness with a thermometer for food safety. Undercooked chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria.
Air Fryer Drumstick Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, crispy drumsticks every time:
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Don’t overcrowd – leave space between each drumstick for air circulation. Cook in batches for larger amounts.
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Use a light coat of oil – A quick spray or brush of olive oil prevents sticking.
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Flip halfway through for even browning.
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Shake the basket occasionally to redistribute and prevent sticking.
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Season generously and marinate for extra flavor.
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Let drumsticks rest 5 minutes before serving. The juices will redistribute.
Common FAQs About Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making drumsticks in the air fryer:
Should I flip the drumsticks during cooking?
Yes, you should always flip the drumsticks over halfway through the cooking time to make sure that all sides get a nice brown and crispy skin.
Can I air fry frozen drumsticks?
Yes, you can! Just add 5 minutes to the cooking time to account for the fact that it is frozen. Check temperature to confirm doneness.
Do I need to oil or grease the air fryer basket first?
A light coating can help prevent sticking, but is not absolutely necessary, especially if your drumsticks are well-marinated or oiled already.
How can I get the crispiest skin?
Pat drumsticks very dry before cooking. Avoid overcrowding and cook at 400°F. Spray or brush oil right before air frying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fried drumsticks?
Place back in air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Up Your Freshly Air Fried Drumsticks
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up your perfect air fried drumsticks! Try pairing them with:
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French fries or potato wedges
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Coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad
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Corn on the cob
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Biscuits or cornbread
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Fresh green salad
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Dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce or honey mustard
Get creative with your sides and seasonings. The air fryer handles drumsticks beautifully, so take advantage for quick, healthy and tasty chicken dinners any night of the week. With the right prep, temperature and cook time, you’ll achieve tender, juicy meat and crave-worthy crispy skin every time.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
So simple and quick to make, these air fried chicken drumsticks are always a hit with the entire family. Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this simple dinner during the week in more detail below:
- Drumsticks: Of course you can’t make air fryer chicken drumsticks without the drumsticks! Drumsticks can be hard to cook because the meat and bone are connected by tendons. This is why you need to make sure they are cooked all the way through (I like to overcook them a bit) to get rid of that tendon that can ruin your whole meal. For even cooking in the same amount of time, try to find drumsticks that are all the same size. This recipe works best with chicken drumsticks that still have their skin on. The skin will crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Olive oil gives the drumsticks flavor, helps them cook perfectly in the air fryer, and keeps the seasonings on them. You can switch it up and use a different fat or oil, like avocado, butter, or bacon grease.
- Chicken Seasoning I Made Myself: I used my own chicken seasoning to make these air fryer chicken drumsticks. Simple spices that you probably already have in your pantry make it very easy to make. It goes well with these chicken drumsticks because it’s the right amount of sweet and smoky. As I already said, though, you can use any seasoning or spice blend you like. Next, try them with my homemade taco seasoning. Don’t be afraid to switch things up every once in a while! These air fryer chicken drumsticks are also great with just salt and pepper.