Air-Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken drumsticks are a family favourite, and for good reason. They're affordable, easy to cook, and versatile. But can you make them in an air fryer?

The short answer is yes. Air fryers are a convenient, mess-free way to cook chicken drumsticks, and they turn out great. You can expect juicy, tender meat with a crispy exterior—all without the mess of pan-frying or grilling.

Here's a basic recipe: pat dry 4-6 chicken drumsticks, then season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (paprika and garlic powder work well). Add a drizzle of oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each one, and cook at 380-400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

There you have it! Juicy, tender, and crispy chicken drumsticks straight from the air fryer.

How to season chicken drumsticks for the air fryer

There are many ways to season chicken drumsticks for the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a medium-sized bowl. You can also brush them lightly with olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. For a more complex flavour profile, add dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and baking powder.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add the olive oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Toss the chicken until it is fully coated.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded or overlapping. Air fry at between 375-400°F for 10-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your drumsticks and your air fryer, so be sure to check for doneness after 10-12 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F.

Tips:

You can also try different sauces and dips with your chicken drumsticks, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce, or honey mustard. For a crispier texture, leave the skin on the drumsticks.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy and juicy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will depend on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer. As a guide, most recipes recommend cooking at a temperature between 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-25 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place them in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and oil, then toss the chicken in this mixture until fully coated. You can use a simple combination of olive oil with salt and pepper, or try something more complex like a BBQ rub or a blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Drumsticks

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.

Cook at your desired temperature for around 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks over. You can then cook for an additional 7-15 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks and the power of your air fryer.

Step 3: Check the Doneness of the Chicken

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn't touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74-75°C) to be safe to eat.

Alternatively, you can cut into a small piece of the meat to check if it is cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in tender, juicy meat.

Serve your air-fried chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides and sauces, such as baked potatoes, coleslaw, or a creamy dip. Enjoy!

How to check if chicken drumsticks are cooked

There are a few ways to check if your chicken drumsticks are cooked through and safe to eat. Firstly, you can use a fork and a knife to cut through a small piece of the meat to see if it is cooked. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, ensuring it doesn't touch the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165°F or 75°C. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, cook for another 2-3 minutes and check again.

What to serve with chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken drumstick meal:

• Starches: Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, baked potatoes, potato wedges, rice, and pasta are all great options to pair with chicken drumsticks. You can also try something different like polenta or grits, au gratin potatoes, or riced sweet potato.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or potatoes are always a good choice. You could also try corn on the cob, green beans, collard greens, or a nice salad like arugula spinach salad or Mediterranean orzo salad. If you're feeling adventurous, go for something like charred broccolini or miso glazed cauliflower.
• Beans: Black beans, baked beans, or a classic three-bean salad are excellent choices to accompany chicken drumsticks. You could also try easy homemade creamed corn or Cajun-style succotash.
• Carrots: Try some roasted carrots, or for a sweeter option, go for brown sugar and honey-glazed carrots.
• Dips and Sauces: Chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as BBQ sauce, Greek tzatziki, green goddess dressing, or Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
• Salads: A fresh salad can complement the richness of the chicken drumsticks. Try a tomato and rocket salad, apple and radish slaw, or a butter lettuce salad.
• Soups: Chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of soups, such as chicken soup or a simple vegetable soup made with the leftover chicken bones.

How to store leftover chicken drumsticks

If you have leftover chicken drumsticks, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months.

• Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
• Make sure the drumsticks are completely cooled before placing them in a container to prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
• Use airtight containers or wrap the drumsticks tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent odour transfer in the fridge and to retain moisture.
• Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the refrigerator.
• For freezing, wrap the drumsticks individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag or container. This will make it easier to thaw only what you need.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover drumsticks, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until they're heated through.

Frequently asked questions