Frying Chicken Drumsticks In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Chicken drumsticks are a popular choice for air fryer enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. Air-fried drumsticks are a quick, convenient, and healthy way to enjoy crispy and juicy chicken without the mess and hassle of traditional frying. With a simple seasoning blend and an air fryer, you can achieve mouth-watering results in under 30 minutes. The air fryer's circulating air creates a succulent, crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. It's a convenient, tasty, and healthy way to enjoy a fried treat.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the number of drumsticks you are cooking, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

Most recipes recommend cooking the drumsticks for around 15-20 minutes at 380-400°F (190-200°C), flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking them for up to 25 minutes at 390°F (200°C).

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it's recommended to check the doneness of the chicken by using a meat thermometer or cutting into the thickest part of the drumstick to ensure the meat is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

Additionally, to get crispy skin on your chicken drumsticks, it is recommended to leave the skin on and pat the drumsticks dry before adding any seasonings or oil.

What temperature to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. The circulating air in the fryer cooks the outsides to a succulent crisp, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

Most recipes recommend cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C). However, some recipes suggest lowering the temperature to 325°F (160°C) after the first 10 minutes of cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the number of drumsticks you are cooking and the size of your air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking chicken drumsticks for 14-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer:

• For crispier chicken drumsticks, leave the skin on.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• For extra crispy chicken, brush the drumsticks with oil before cooking.

How to season chicken drumsticks for an air fryer?

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks (for a crispier drumstick, leave the skin on)
• Olive oil (or any other oil)
• All-purpose flour (or corn starch)
• Baking powder
• Paprika (smoked, for a slight earthy flavour)
• Onion powder (or garlic powder)
• Salt (preferably kosher)
• Black pepper
• Optional spices: chili powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, Ranch seasoning, or taco seasoning

Method

• Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush with a light coating of olive oil. Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag.
• In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shake the bag until the drumsticks are covered with the spice mixture.
• Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or brush a light coating of olive oil over the basket to prevent the drumsticks from sticking.
• Transfer the coated drumsticks from the bag to the air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer, without overlapping or stacking.
• Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
• Chicken will be done when it is golden brown and crispy, and when an instant-read meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165° degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• Leaving chicken drumsticks skin on helps the chicken become crispier. Skinless chicken will be delicious, too, but not as crispy.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness when cooking meat in the air fryer. Because a thermometer can quickly and easily confirm doneness, you can prevent overcooking or dry or tough meat.
• Use a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the chicken in batches. In order to get the skin crunchy, avoid overlapping or having drumsticks touch in the basket.

Variations

• Chicken drumsticks can be served with your favourite dipping sauces, such as Ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or cheese sauce.
• Add seasonings such as Ranch or Italian seasoning to the flour before cooking for more flavour.

Can you use frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. In fact, it is a great option for a quick and easy dinner when you don't have time to defrost the meat. The air fryer does a great job of frying up drumsticks, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

When cooking frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it will take longer to cook than if the chicken is fresh, so allow for extra cooking time. As a general rule of thumb, add 5 minutes or more to the cooking time. It is also important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (73-75°C).

In terms of seasoning, you can add it before or during cooking. If you want to season the chicken before cooking, it is recommended to air fry the chicken for a few minutes first without seasoning to deglaze the ice. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the chicken and adhere to the surface better. You can then remove the chicken from the air fryer, add your chosen seasoning, and continue cooking. Alternatively, you can add the seasoning halfway through the cooking time, when you turn the drumsticks.

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken drumsticks (as many as you need)
• Your choice of seasonings (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)
• Olive oil or cooking oil

Instructions:

• Place the frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Set the air fryer to 360-380°F (180-190°C) and cook for 15 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and use tongs to flip the drumsticks. If using seasoning, add it now, along with a spritz of oil if needed.
• Return the air basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes.
• Check that the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. It should read 165°F (73-75°C).
• Plate and serve.

You can serve air fryer chicken drumsticks with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, salad, mashed potatoes, or macaroni and cheese.

What to serve with chicken drumsticks?

There are many side dishes that go well with chicken drumsticks. Here are some ideas:

• Spicy beans
• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Quick-pickled beets
• Rice pilaf
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes
• Stuffed baked potatoes
• Japanese potato salad
• 2-ingredient biscuits
• Ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping
• Mac and cheese
• Fried rice
• Broccoli

Frequently asked questions