Freezing Air Fryer Drumsticks: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can freeze air fryer drumsticks. In fact, air fryer chicken drumsticks are a great, easy and healthy option for a quick weeknight dinner. They can be cooked from frozen, saving you time and effort, and they turn out tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior. The air fryer's hot air circulation locks in the juices and flavours of the meat while creating a crispy texture. You can also get creative with seasonings and side dishes to suit your taste.

How to season the drumsticks

Seasoning your drumsticks is a simple process and you can use any combination of spices you like.

Firstly, you will need to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. Then, take a small bowl and add your chosen spices and mix them well. You can use any combination of spices you like, but some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. You can also add some baking powder to this mix, as this will help to make the chicken extra crispy.

Next, you will need to toss the drumsticks in the spice mixture. Make sure that each drumstick is well coated. After this, drizzle the drumsticks with oil.

Now your drumsticks are seasoned and ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How to cook the drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the chicken drumsticks

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and mix well. You can use a variety of seasonings such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and baking powder.

Step 3: Combine the chicken and seasoning

Add olive oil or another type of oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the chicken in the air fryer

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your air fryer and the size of the drumsticks. As a general guideline, cook at around 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.

Step 5: Check the doneness of the chicken

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can cut into a small piece of the chicken to check that it is no longer pink and that the juices run clear.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Serve your air fryer drumsticks with your favorite sides and sauces. Enjoy!

How to check if the drumsticks are cooked

Checking if your chicken drumsticks are cooked through is an important step to ensure your meal is safe to eat. Here are some ways to check if your chicken drumsticks are cooked:

Using a Meat Thermometer

The most reliable way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (73-74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed.

Checking the Juices

You can also check if your chicken is cooked by looking at the juices. When the chicken is cut open, the juices should run clear, not cloudy or red. However, this method may not always be accurate, as even fully cooked chicken can sometimes have reddish juices due to the presence of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the tissues, which can turn red when heated.

Visual Inspection

Another way to check is by visual inspection. The cooked chicken meat should be white and not pink. For drumsticks specifically, you can also look for the skin at the narrower part of the drumstick to tear, which indicates that the chicken is likely done.

Cooking Time

While cooking time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the temperature of your air fryer, a general guideline is to cook frozen drumsticks for around 25-30 minutes at 360-365°F (180°C). If you are cooking fresh (not frozen) drumsticks, the cooking time may be slightly shorter.

Remember, it is always better to overcook your chicken than to risk undercooking it. If you are unsure, cook the drumsticks for a few extra minutes or until you are confident that they have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (73-74°C).

How to store and reheat the drumsticks

Storing your drumsticks is easy. If you have any leftovers, let them cool down completely, then put them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. They will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat your drumsticks, you can use an air fryer, an oven, or a microwave. For the air fryer and oven, preheat to 350°F/180°C and heat for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through. For the microwave, place the drumsticks on a microwavable plate and reheat for 1 minute on high settings, then at 30-second intervals until warmed through to your liking.

What to serve the drumsticks with

There are many different side dishes that you can serve with air fryer chicken drumsticks. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted potatoes and salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked potatoes
• Japanese potato salad
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries
• Middle Eastern Batata Harra
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes
• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer twice-baked potatoes

Frequently asked questions