Air-Fryer Drumsticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient, healthy, and mess-free alternative to traditional frying methods. They are especially useful for cooking chicken drumsticks, which can be tricky due to the tendons between the meat and bone. Air-fried drumsticks are tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy exterior. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, making them a versatile dish that pairs well with many side dishes.

How long to cook drumsticks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook drumsticks in an air fryer!

The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer varies depending on the model of the air fryer, the size of the drumsticks, and how crispy you want them. On average, the cooking time is between 15 and 30 minutes at a temperature setting of between 380°F and 400°F.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking the drumsticks for 10 minutes, then flipping them over and cooking for another 10 minutes. If the skin isn't crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.

Another recipe suggests cooking the drumsticks for 8 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.

It is important to note that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

How to season drumsticks for an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

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

Step 2: Prepare the seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the spices and mix well. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, and brown sugar. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder to make the chicken extra crispy.

Step 3: Combine the chicken and seasoning

Add olive oil or any other oil of your choice to the bowl of chicken. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until the drumsticks are fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the chicken in the air fryer

Place the chicken legs skin side down in the air fryer basket. For a crispier skin, it is recommended to cook the chicken in contact with the hot air fryer basket. Make sure that the drumsticks are not overcrowded and have some space around them. Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (180-200°C) and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Check the doneness of the chicken

To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it's not touching the bone. The temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into a small piece of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.

Step 6: Let the chicken rest

Before serving, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the meat to reabsorb its juices and become more tender.

How to check if chicken drumsticks are cooked

Checking if 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 air-fried chicken drumsticks are cooked:

Use a Meat Thermometer

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, making sure it is not touching the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165°F (74-75°C). This is the best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Check the Colour

You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is likely done. However, this method may not be as accurate as using a meat thermometer.

Rest and Check Again

It is always a good idea to let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, becoming more tender. After resting, you can check the internal temperature again to ensure it has reached 165°F.

Cooking Time

While cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of drumsticks, a good rule of thumb is to air fry at 380-400°F (180-200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes. The total cooking time is usually around 17-25 minutes. However, it is always best to check with a meat thermometer to be safe.

What to serve with air-fried chicken drumsticks

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy meal to make, and they go well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

• Spicy beans
• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Air fryer twice-baked potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Potato wedges
• Funeral potatoes
• Beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussel sprouts
• Potato salad
• Stuffed baked potatoes
• Japanese potato salad
• 2-ingredient biscuits

You could also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or cheese sauce.

How to store leftover chicken drumsticks

Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Now, let's get to the storage part.

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wish to keep them for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.

When it comes to reheating, you can either microwave them for 20-30 seconds or put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy.

If you want to get creative with your leftovers, you can use the leftover chicken meat for a variety of dishes, such as:

• Chicken salad
• Chicken nachos
• Buffalo ranch chicken wraps
• Chicken and rice soup
• Chicken noodle soup
• Chicken tacos
• Chicken pot pie
• Chicken sliders with BBQ sauce

Frequently asked questions