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

Chicken drumsticks are a family favourite, but they can be tricky to cook due to the tendons between the meat and the bone. Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can season them with a variety of spices and sauces, and they go well with sides like potato wedges, beans, corn casserole, or Brussels sprouts. The cooking time will depend on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 380-400°F (190-200°C).

Chicken drumsticks cooking time

Chicken drumsticks can be cooked in an air fryer in less time than it takes using other cooking methods. The cooking time will depend on the size of the drumsticks and the specific air fryer being used. It is important to ensure that the drumsticks are cooked thoroughly to avoid any issues with the tendons between the meat and the bone.

To prepare the drumsticks for cooking, they should first be patted dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the drumsticks become extra crispy during cooking. After drying, the drumsticks should be placed in a bowl and coated with oil and seasonings. It is important to be generous with the seasoning to ensure that the drumsticks are full of flavor. Blended seasonings can be mixed in a separate bowl before being poured over the chicken.

Once prepared, the drumsticks should be placed in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded and have space to "breathe". This will allow the air to circulate and ensure that the drumsticks cook evenly and become crispy all over. Depending on the type of air fryer being used, it may be necessary to preheat the air fryer before adding the drumsticks.

The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer being used. Most sources recommend cooking the drumsticks for around 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

For an extra crispy skin, it is recommended to cook the drumsticks in direct contact with the hot air fryer basket. Additionally, if using a tray with holes and an air fryer with 360-degree circulation, flipping the drumsticks may not be necessary. To check if the drumsticks are cooked, a fork and knife can be used to cut through a small piece and ensure that the meat is no longer pink. A meat thermometer can also be used to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to season chicken drumsticks for the air fryer

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. The circulating air in the fryer cooks the legs evenly, resulting in a juicy interior and a crispy exterior.

First, ensure your chicken is fully thawed. You can do this by leaving the drumsticks in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.

Next, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is essential to achieving the desired crispy skin. Remove any excess moisture from the drumsticks.

Then, prepare your seasoning. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to flavour the chicken, such as:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar (or a substitute)
• Baking powder

Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl. Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil to the spice mix to help it stick to the chicken.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Toss the drumsticks in the spice mix, ensuring they are fully coated. You can use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken or brush the spice mix on with a pastry brush.

Finally, place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 380-400°F (193-200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to reheat chicken drumsticks

Yes, you can reheat chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. In fact, it is one of the best ways to reheat chicken and retain its crispy texture.

To reheat chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) or 375°F/190°C. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also spray the chicken with a little oil to promote crispiness, but this is optional.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Reheat for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which can be checked with a meat thermometer.

It is important to note that reheated chicken should not be left out at room temperature for too long, as this can increase the risk of bacterial contamination. It is also best to avoid reheating chicken multiple times.

Chicken drumstick air fryer settings

Chicken drumsticks can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook chicken drumsticks, and it also helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and ensures that the oil and herbs stick better to the chicken.

Oil and Seasoning

A small amount of oil is required to coat the chicken and help with browning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any other oil of your preference. For seasoning, you can use a combination of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made seasoning mix or create your own blend of herbs and spices.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of drumsticks. As a guide, cook the drumsticks for 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to rotate the drumsticks occasionally for even cooking.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if your chicken drumsticks are cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken drumsticks without bones. For bone-in chicken drumsticks, it is recommended to cook them to a slightly higher temperature, around 175°F, to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.

Serving

Let the chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as-is or toss them in your favorite sauce, such as BBQ sauce or honey mustard. Enjoy your air-fried chicken drumsticks with sides like roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, steamed veggies, or potato salad.

Chicken drumstick air fryer alternatives

Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick and easy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer, but what are some alternatives to using an air fryer?

Baking

Chicken drumsticks can be baked in the oven as an alternative to using an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F and prepare the chicken as instructed. Line them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the chicken drumsticks have bones, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165F, indicating that it is fully cooked.

Grilling

Chicken drumsticks can also be grilled. While this may create more mess than using an air fryer or baking in the oven, it can be a good option if you want to cook the drumsticks outdoors.

Stovetop

Cooking chicken drumsticks in a pan on the stovetop is another alternative. This method can be messier than using an air fryer, but it can be a quick and convenient option if you don't have access to an oven or grill.

Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken drumsticks, there are several ways to reheat them. You can microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer until crispy. It is recommended to let frozen drumsticks thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently asked questions