Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
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When I need something quick, comforting, and downright delicious, these Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks never disappoint. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the spice rub adds just the right amount of flavor. With the air fryer doing all the hard work, I get to enjoy a mess-free kitchen and perfectly cooked chicken in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner idea, this recipe always saves the day!
Before You Start
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the drumsticks. This is key for getting that crispy, golden skin.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and ensures even browning in the air fryer.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure the drumsticks cook evenly right from the start.
- Space Them Out: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer without crowding. Overlapping will prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Season Generously: Don’t hold back on the spice rub, seasoning is what makes these drumsticks extra flavorful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken drumsticks – I used chicken drumsticks with the skin on, but other cuts you can use are chicken thighs, wings, or breasts. The cooking time will vary if using different cuts of meat, so adjust accordingly.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Use your own blend of your favorite spices.
- Italian seasoning – I use my simple homemade Italian seasoning with a mixture of 5 herbs. Feel free to use store bought as well if that’s what you have.
- Oil – I like to use a little olive oil to brush over the chicken legs. This is optional but I find the spice rub sticks to the chicken drumsticks better.
Let’s start with the seasoning. Grab a small bowl and mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Have this ready before you start on the chicken, so you’re not scrambling later.
First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture, which is essential for that crispy skin we’re aiming for. Once they’re dry, brush each drumstick with olive oil on all sides. The oil helps the rub stick and creates that golden, crispy exterior. Now, sprinkle the spice rub generously all over the chicken, making sure every bit of skin is coated, don’t be shy with it!
Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, giving them a little space so the hot air can circulate properly. Cook them for 10 minutes, then pull out the basket and flip the drumsticks over. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up all around. Cook for another 10 minutes, and by now, the skin should be looking nice and golden. If you want extra crispy skin, let them cook for another 5 minutes or so, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), so grab your meat thermometer to double-check.
How To Serve
These crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks go well with just about anything, so let’s keep it simple and delicious. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve alongside:
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Baked Mac And Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Easy Cornbread Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before seasoning and cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the drumsticks cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze cooked chicken drumsticks?
Absolutely! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To keep them crispy, reheat the drumsticks in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. You can also use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.
What should the internal temperature of the chicken be?
The drumsticks are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
The Air Fryer I Used
I often get asked which air fryer I use so here’s the one I use on a regular basis.
More Great Recipes To Try
Honey Soy Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Beef Wellington
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin on)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Before starting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken drumsticks with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken all around with the rub mixture.
- Place chicken drumsticks in the basket to air fry. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the drumsticks are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking, just keep an eye on them not to burn. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Equipment
Notes
- Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the internal temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the chicken is done!
- I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
- It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
- Cooking time may need adjusting as necessary if using really small versus really large drumsticks, or using different cuts of chicken. Don’t be scared to open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness.
- Store leftover chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To freeze, make sure to let the chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
