Air Fryer Frozen Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Yes, you can cook frozen drumsticks in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender chicken dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

How to season frozen chicken drumsticks

There are several ways to season frozen chicken drumsticks, whether you're cooking them in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to season frozen chicken drumsticks, with some general tips and specific instructions for different cooking methods.

General Tips for Seasoning Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

• When seasoning frozen chicken, you can treat it just like fresh chicken and use your preferred spices and herbs.
• It is recommended to use a combination of oil, salt, and pepper as a base for your seasoning. The oil will help the other seasonings stick to the chicken and promote even cooking.
• For extra flavour, consider using a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. This combination gives the chicken a nice smoky taste.
• If you want a crispy skin, increase the cooking temperature towards the end of the cooking time.

Oven-Baked Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F to 425°F.
• Place the frozen drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
• Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional spices or herbs of your choice.
• Use your hands or a brush to evenly coat the drumsticks with the oil and seasonings.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes at 425°F, or 55-65 minutes at 375°F, until the internal juices run clear and the thickest part of the drumstick reaches an internal temperature of 185°F to 165°F.
• Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Grilled Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

• Heat your grill to medium heat.
• Grill the frozen drumsticks for 20-30 minutes, turning them frequently, until they reach a minimum internal temperature of 185°F and the juices run clear.
• You can brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce, fruit glaze, or other sauces during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling.

Air-Fried Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
• If the drumsticks are stuck together, separate them and rinse off any ice, or place them in the air fryer at 365°F/180°C for about a minute to thaw.
• Brush or spray the drumsticks with cooking oil, then season with salt and pepper. You can also use a blend of smoked paprika and Creole seasoning, or any other seasoning blend of your choice.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Air fry for 20-25 minutes at 365°F/180°C, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• Check if the chicken is cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
• If you want crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F/200°C for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
• If you're using a sauce, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

How long to cook frozen chicken drumsticks for

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the drumsticks, as well as the model of your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, add 5 minutes or more when cooking frozen food in the air fryer.

Recipe 1:

According to The Dinner Bite, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer in about 30 minutes. Here's how:

• Remove the drumsticks from their packaging and try to separate them.
• In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika and Creole seasoning.
• Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 365°F/180°C for 1 minute.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer, brush the drumsticks with cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle the Creole and smoked paprika mixture over them.
• Flip the drumsticks and repeat the seasoning process, reserving some of the seasoning.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. It should read 165°F/74°C.

Recipe 2:

According to The Typical Mom, you can cook frozen chicken legs in an air fryer in about 35 minutes. Here's how:

• Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with olive oil.
• Place the frozen chicken legs in the basket and set the air fryer to 360°F.
• Cook for 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle 1/3 of your chosen seasoning on top, then flip the legs over and top with another 1/3 of seasoning.
• Cook for another 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the legs.
• Spray the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning.
• If desired, brush BBQ sauce onto the legs.
• Cook for a final 5 minutes, or until crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Recipe 3:

According to Fork To Spoon, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer in 25-35 minutes. Here's how:

• Place the frozen drumsticks into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 360°F.
• Air fry for 15 minutes.
• Use tongs to flip the drumsticks, then air fry for another 10-15 minutes.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing it from the air fryer.

Recipe 4:

According to The Big Man's World, you can cook chicken drumsticks (fresh, not frozen) in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Here's how:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
• Pat the drumsticks dry, then toss them in the spice mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes.
• Flip the drumsticks and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.

How to check if frozen chicken drumsticks are cooked

To check if frozen chicken drumsticks are cooked, you should use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/73-74°C.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, the next best way to check is to cut into the thickest part of the drumstick and ensure that the meat is no longer pink and that the juices run clear. If there is any pinkness or the juices are red or pink, the chicken needs further cooking.

It is important to always ensure that chicken is cooked properly to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

How to store and reheat frozen chicken drumsticks

Storing Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

If you have frozen chicken drumsticks, you can store them in your freezer for future use. Make sure they are sealed tightly in freezer-safe packaging or containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Label the packaging with the date and try to use the drumsticks within 3-4 months for the best quality, although they will still be safe to eat beyond this point.

Reheating Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

There are several ways to reheat frozen chicken drumsticks, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some common methods:

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Remove the chicken from the freezer and let it thaw slightly at room temperature while the oven heats up.
• Place the drumsticks in a baking dish and add a small amount of chicken stock or water to the pan to create moisture.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and help keep the meat moist.
• Put the chicken in the oven and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The time will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the amount you are reheating.

Stovetop:

• This method is best for boneless, skinless chicken, but it can also work for bone-in thighs or rotisserie chicken if you remove the meat from the bone.
• Slice the chicken into pieces, if necessary, to ensure even heating.
• Add water to a skillet and place it on the stove over medium heat.
• Once the water is simmering, add the chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat. Gently stir the chicken until it is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Microwave:

• While the microwave is convenient, it can make breaded chicken soggy and is more likely to overcook the meat.
• Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger ones towards the edges.
• Sprinkle water and a drizzle of olive oil over the chicken to help keep it moist during reheating.
• Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap or invert a bowl over the plate.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature of the chicken until it reaches 165°F.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Reheat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to serve with frozen chicken drumsticks

There are several options for what to serve with frozen chicken drumsticks. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic comfort meal.
• Barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast.
• Tacos, wraps, or sandwiches—cut the drumstick meat off the bone and use it as a filling.
• Roasted potatoes and salad.
• Macaroni and cheese.
• Cornbread, cast iron skillet cornbread, or ambrosia salad.

Frequently asked questions