Ella Walter
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile, delicious, and inexpensive meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They can be cooked in an oven, but using an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to get that fried taste and texture without the oil. Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a convenient, tasty meal that can be ready in less than 30 minutes and can be served with almost any side dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 14-25 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Preheat temperature | 380°F-400°F (193°C-200°C) |
| Preheat time | A few minutes |
| Cooking method | Air frying |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, chili powder |
| Baking powder | Yes |
| Flour | Yes |
| Leftover storage | Airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
| Freezing | Ziplock bag for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fryer until crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer settings and timings
Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks. They are also remarkably efficient, heating up quickly and cooking food faster than conventional ovens.
When preparing to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the drumsticks are not overcrowded in the basket. This is because air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, and overcrowding the basket will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking. It is also important to ensure that the drumsticks are not touching each other, as this will prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
Before cooking, it is recommended to pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help to ensure that the skin becomes crispy. The drumsticks should then be seasoned generously and coated in olive oil or vegetable oil, which will help the seasoning stick and create a crispy exterior.
Different air fryers will have different preheat settings and cooking times, but generally, chicken drumsticks need about 25 to 30 minutes of cooking time at a temperature of 380°F–400°F (190°C–200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure that the drumsticks cook evenly. Halfway through the cooking time, the drumsticks should be flipped to ensure uniform cooking and crispness on all sides.
To check if the chicken drumsticks are cooked, a meat thermometer should be used to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F–175°F. This is the temperature at which chicken is fully cooked, and the meat will be perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender.
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Seasoning and spices
There are endless combinations of spices and herbs that you can use to season your chicken drumsticks. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning is a great place to start. You can also experiment with adding or substituting spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and brown sugar to create a unique flavour profile. For a savoury and sweet flavour, a blend of paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper is a good option. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought poultry seasoning blend, which typically includes a mix of spices and herbs.
Once you've selected your spices, combine them in a small bowl and mix well. Then, drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken drumsticks, followed by the spice mixture. Use clean hands or kitchen tongs to toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated. If you prefer a lighter coating, you can brush the spice mixture over the chicken legs with a pastry brush.
After seasoning, it's important to let the drumsticks chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. You can even leave them overnight for more intense flavours.
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Oil
Before applying the oil, it is essential to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step removes any excess moisture, ensuring that the oil and seasonings can adhere properly to the chicken. It also helps to create that sought-after crispy skin.
Once the chicken is dry, you can brush or drizzle the oil onto the drumsticks. Some recipes suggest placing the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag and drizzling the oil over them, followed by tossing or shaking to ensure an even coating. Others recommend brushing the oil onto the chicken, ensuring it is applied to all sides. This brushing technique allows for more precise control over the amount of oil used and helps create a uniform coating.
After applying the oil, the drumsticks are seasoned. The oil acts as a binding agent, helping the seasonings—such as herbs, spices, and spice rubs—stick to the chicken. This step not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the crispy texture.
In addition to its role in crisping up the chicken, oil can also help prevent the drumsticks from sticking to the air fryer basket. Some recipes suggest lightly spraying the basket with cooking spray or brushing it with oil before placing the chicken inside. This extra step ensures that the chicken won't stick, making cleanup easier and reducing the risk of the drumsticks tearing or losing their delicious coating.
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Internal temperature
The internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks is the most reliable way to determine if they are cooked through. The minimum internal temperature for chicken drumsticks should be 165 °F (74 °C) to ensure food safety. This temperature can be checked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest, fleshiest part of the drumstick, ensuring it is not touching the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
Some recipes recommend cooking the chicken drumsticks for 10 minutes on each side, and then checking the internal temperature. If the chicken has not reached 165 °F, it can be cooked for a further 2-3 minutes. Other recipes suggest cooking the chicken to a slightly higher temperature of 175 °F to ensure the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has broken down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.
It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the air fryer being used, as well as the size and number of chicken drumsticks being cooked. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the chicken drumsticks during cooking to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
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Reheating and storing
Storing and reheating chicken drumsticks is a straightforward process. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It is important to let the chicken cool down entirely before storing it.
If you want to keep the drumsticks for longer, you can freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
When it comes to reheating, you can either use a microwave or an air fryer. To reheat in a microwave, simply heat the drumsticks for 20-30 seconds. This method is quick and convenient, but it may not yield the same crispy texture as the air fryer method.
To reheat your chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken drumsticks in the basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even heating. You can brush the drumsticks with a little olive oil or butter to keep them moist and enhance crispiness. Reheat for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The air fryer method is highly recommended as it delivers crispy skin without the grease and reheats much faster than a traditional oven.
It is important to note that you should only reheat chicken once to minimize the risk of contamination. Additionally, if your chicken has been stored in a sauce, you may want to reheat it without the sauce to maintain the crispiness of the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 14 and 30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to between 380°F and 400°F.
To make chicken drumsticks crispy, pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking and leave the skin on. You can also brush the drumsticks with olive oil and add spices such as paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar.
