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

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways, but have you ever tried cooking them in an air fryer? Air-fried chicken drumsticks offer a quick and convenient cooking method, along with being a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, juicy, and well-seasoned chicken drumsticks with minimal prep and clean-up. The high heat of the air fryer helps to crisp up the chicken skin, giving it a crunchy texture without the need for added breading or excessive oil. This makes it a great option for those on keto or low-carb diets. So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy way to cook chicken drumsticks, give the air fryer a try!

How to get the perfect crispy texture

Achieving the perfect crispy texture when cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, ensure you have the right ingredients to hand. You will need chicken drumsticks, oil, and seasoning. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and gives it a nice crisp skin. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil.

Next, you will need to prepare the chicken. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure the oil and herbs stick. Then, place the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with oil and seasoning, ensuring they are well coated. You can use a store-bought seasoning or make your own blend. A simple seasoning blend might include paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

Now you are ready to cook the chicken. Place the chicken legs skin side down in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space and air around them. Set the air fryer to 380-390°F (180-200°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks and cook for a further 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time should be around 17-25 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks and the power of your air fryer.

To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165-175°F (74-79°C). If the chicken has not reached this temperature, cook for a further 2-3 minutes and check again.

Finally, allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This will give the chicken a chance to cool slightly and let the juices redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender meat.

You can also reheat any leftover chicken in the air fryer to restore its crispy texture. Simply place the drumsticks in the air fryer and cook until crispy.

The best oils to use

When cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you should coat the drumsticks lightly with oil to help the seasoning to adhere and promote browning. While not all air fryer recipes need added oil, it can help your food crisp up beautifully and keep it from sticking.

The best oil to use in an air fryer is avocado oil, which has a very high smoke point of around 520°F (271°C) and a neutral flavour that works with most foods. Other oils with high smoke points include ghee and light olive oil. Oils with lower smoke points, such as extra virgin olive oil, can cause burning and smoking in an air fryer. Oils like peanut and coconut oil will add a subtle flavour to your food, so if you want to keep things more neutral, stick to the oils mentioned previously.

Seasoning and sauce options

Chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer can be seasoned in a variety of ways. You can use a homemade BBQ rub, or a pre-made seasoning mix. Some common seasonings include paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote browning. Other oils that can be used include avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and vegetable oil.

If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken drumsticks, you can try a Piri Piri seasoning or a blackened seasoning. You can also make your own spice mix by combining paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. This will give your drumsticks a blend of flavors and colors.

In terms of sauces, you can brush your chicken drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to make BBQ chicken drumsticks. You can also make a honey mustard dipping sauce by mixing sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix mayonnaise, Frank's hot sauce, and sweet chili sauce to make a creamy sweet chili mayo.

Chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sides, such as baked sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, a butter lettuce salad, or vinegar coleslaw. They can also be served with dipping sauces such as Greek tzatziki, green goddess dressing, or Greek yogurt ranch dressing.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer depend on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to check the drumsticks after 12 minutes of cooking and adjust the timing accordingly.

For smaller drumsticks, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. For larger drumsticks, cook at the same temperature for 18 minutes. To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 175°F (79°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Alternatively, some sources suggest cooking chicken drumsticks at a higher temperature of 380°F to 390°F (190°C) to (200°C) for a shorter time of 17 to 25 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Check the doneness of the chicken by cutting into a small piece with a knife and fork, or use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C).

Reheating and storing leftovers

Storing and reheating chicken drumsticks is a straightforward process. After cooking, allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3 to 5 days for the best quality and taste.

You can also freeze cooked chicken drumsticks for longer storage. Place them in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen drumsticks, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Now, for reheating! You can use either a microwave or your air fryer again. If you choose the microwave, simply heat the drumsticks for 20-30 seconds. This method is quick and convenient but may not deliver the same crispiness as the air fryer.

For reheating in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lightly spray the drumsticks with oil to help maintain crispiness and add moisture to the coating. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on their size and the power of your air fryer. Check the drumsticks periodically to prevent them from drying out. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when perfectly reheated.

Enjoy your crispy and juicy chicken drumsticks!

Frequently asked questions