How To Cook Frozen Chicken Drumsticks In An Air Fryer

Cooking chicken drumsticks from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy, and juicy dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have time to thaw your meat, and with minimal prep time, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken with a golden, crispy texture that rivals deep-frying. The air fryer locks in moisture, and by using simple seasonings, you can complement the chicken's flavour and create a tasty family favourite.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your chicken drumsticks is a great way to add flavor and make them even more delicious. Here are some seasoning options and tips to consider when cooking frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer:

• Creole seasoning: You can use store-bought Creole seasoning, which often contains salt, or make your own blend by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, and other spices.
• Cajun seasoning: This can be a good alternative to Creole seasoning and can be easily found in stores.
• Italian seasoning: This blend typically includes garlic powder, red chili, and rosemary, giving your chicken an Italian twist.
• Montreal chicken seasoning: A warm, earthy, and slightly spicy blend that pairs well with frozen chicken drumsticks. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own using garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, parsley, paprika, and orange peel.
• Salt and black pepper: A simple yet classic combination that can enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

Tips for Seasoning:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Oil and seasoning application: Brush or spritz the chicken with cooking oil before applying the seasoning. This helps the seasoning adhere to the surface and prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket.
• Flip and rotate the drumsticks: For even cooking and seasoning distribution, flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process.
• Reserve some seasoning: If you're cooking in batches, reserve some of the seasoning to sprinkle on the second batch before returning them to the air fryer.
• Cooking temperature and time: The cooking temperature and time may vary depending on the desired crispiness and the size of the drumsticks. Adjust the temperature and time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F/74°C-75°C.
• Resting and serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even juicier. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or sides, such as roasted potatoes and salad.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends and find the ones that suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy air-fried frozen chicken drumsticks!

How long to cook

How long you need to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer depends on the size of the drumsticks, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether you are cooking from frozen or not.

If you are cooking chicken drumsticks from frozen, you should first remove any packaging and, if necessary, rinse the chicken with water to melt away any ice from the surface. You can then choose to season the chicken with a variety of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add olive oil to the seasoning to turn it into a wet seasoning, which will help to ensure the seasoning permeates the meat.

Once your chicken drumsticks are seasoned, you should set the air fryer to a temperature of between 380ºF and 400ºF and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF. You should flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.

If you are cooking refrigerated chicken drumsticks, you should reduce the cooking time slightly. For example, one source recommends cooking seasoned drumsticks at 380ºF for 15 minutes on one side.

If you are cooking unfrozen chicken drumsticks, you should cook them for 8 minutes, flip them, and then cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.

Finally, it is recommended that you let the chicken drumsticks rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips and tricks

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results:

Preparation:

Before cooking, remove the chicken from its packaging and separate the drumsticks if they are clumped together. If there is any ice on the surface, you can either rinse the chicken under cold running water or place it in the air fryer at 365F/180C for 2-3 minutes to deglaze the ice. This step is not mandatory, but it ensures that the flavour from the seasoning doesn't get wasted.

Seasoning:

You can use a variety of seasonings for your chicken drumsticks. One option is to mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, add olive oil to turn it into a wet seasoning that will stick to the chicken. Another option is to use Montreal chicken seasoning, which has a warming, earthy flavour with a hint of spice. You can also make your own seasoning by combining garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, parsley, paprika, and orange peel.

Cooking:

Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some space and air around them. You can brush or spritz them with cooking oil to help the seasoning stick and ensure the chicken doesn't stick to the basket. Set the air fryer temperature between 380ºF/180ºC and 400F/200C, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F/74-75C. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you want crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400F/200C for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.

Serving:

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce or sides, such as roasted potatoes and salad.

Reheating instructions

If you have any leftover chicken drumsticks, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, place the chicken drumsticks in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to reheat the chicken drumsticks, there are two options: microwave or air fryer. For the microwave, heat the chicken for 20-30 seconds. For the air fryer, place the chicken drumsticks in the basket and heat until crispy.

Side dishes

Chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and tasty meal. But what to serve with them? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your air-fried chicken drumsticks.

Roasted potatoes are a great option, providing a hearty and filling side to your meal. You can cook these in the oven or, if you want to make use of your air fryer, try making potato wedges or fries. Salads are also a fresh and healthy choice, and you can get creative with the ingredients to add some extra flavour and texture to your meal.

If you're looking for something more substantial, spicy beans and rice pilaf are tasty and filling options that can be customised to your taste. Quick-pickled beets are another unique side dish that can add a pop of colour and flavour to your plate.

Don't forget, you can also experiment with different sauces to accompany your chicken drumsticks. Sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey mustard are just a couple of options to elevate your meal and add some extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions