Air-Frying Chicken Drumsticks: A Quick And Easy Method

Chicken drumsticks are a popular choice for air frying, and it's easy to see why. Air-fried drumsticks are a quick, convenient, and healthy way to cook this cut of chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavourful dish with a crispy exterior.

The air fryer's circulating air creates a succulent, crispy outside and tender, juicy meat inside. The high heat from the air fryer helps to crisp up the chicken skin and fat, giving it a fried texture without the need for breading or excessive oil.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about air-frying chicken drumsticks, including preparation, cooking times and temperatures, and serving suggestions.

How to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 4-8 chicken drumsticks (with skin on)
• 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive, vegetable, or canola)
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of chilli powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (or a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• First, season the drumsticks. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with oil, and add your seasonings. Make sure the drumsticks are well coated.
• Put the drumsticks into the air fryer basket. Make sure it is not overcrowded and that the drumsticks are not touching.
• Air fry at between 380-400°F (180-200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check the doneness of the chicken using a fork and knife, or a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165-175°F (75-80°C). If the chicken is not cooked, add another 2-5 minutes to the cooking time.
• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can add a sauce to your drumsticks. If you are using BBQ sauce, wait until the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and slather the chicken, before finishing the cooking process. Other sauces are better for dipping, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, or honey mustard.
• You can also marinate the chicken before cooking. Try olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
• If you want to crisp up the skin, it is recommended to cook the drumsticks in contact with the hot air fryer basket.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.

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 size of the drumsticks, the number of drumsticks being cooked, and the model of the air fryer.

• Prepare the marinade by combining the herbs and spices in a small bowl. Common seasonings include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. You can also add olive oil to the marinade to help the seasoning stick to the chicken.
• Place the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Then, sprinkle the herbs and spices over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
• For best results, marinate the drumsticks in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-200°C).
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer.
• Cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes, then flip them over.
• Continue cooking for 7-18 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer. Smaller drumsticks will take around 15 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 18 minutes.
• To ensure the drumsticks are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165-175°F (74-79°C).
• Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Some additional tips for cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer:

• It is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Preheating the air fryer is optional but may help to crisp up the skin.
• If using bone-in chicken legs, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
• If adding sauce to the drumsticks, do so after they have been cooked and crisped.

With these steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked and crispy chicken drumsticks straight from your air fryer!

Tips to air fry chicken drumsticks

Know Your Air Fryer

Air fryer models vary, so be sure to check and monitor your chicken drumsticks to avoid overcooking or undercooking. Adjust the temperature and timing as needed.

Check the Temperature

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, making sure it’s not touching the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F to 175°F.

Let it Rest

Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it. This lets the meat reabsorb and redistribute its moisture, making the meat fibers more tender.

Use a Single Layer

Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.

Oil and Seasoning

Coat the chicken drumsticks lightly with oil to promote browning and help the seasoning adhere. You can use olive oil or any other oil of your choice. For seasoning, you can use a simple blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, or get creative with your favorite spices and herbs.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken drumsticks and the model of your air fryer. As a guide, cook at 375°F to 400°F for 15 to 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. Check for doneness after 12 minutes and adjust the timing accordingly.

What to serve with chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried chicken drumsticks:

• Baked sweet potatoes
• Stove-top mac and cheese
• Butter lettuce salad
• Vinegar coleslaw
• Baked potatoes
• Asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries
• Middle Eastern Batata Harra
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes
• Potato wedges
• Funeral potatoes
• Beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussel sprouts
• Rice pilaf
• French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Quick-pickled beets
• Spicy beans
• Rice pilaf
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Honey mustard
• Greek tzatziki
• Green goddess dressing
• Greek yogurt ranch dressing

What type of air fryer to use

There are a few different types of air fryers that can be used to cook chicken drumsticks. Here are some options:

• Instant Pot Air Fryer: This air fryer can be used to cook chicken drumsticks, but the cook time may vary slightly compared to other models. It is important to check the doneness of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
• Ninja Foodi + Broiler Lid: This air fryer has a broiler lid function that can be used to cook chicken drumsticks. Again, the cooking time may differ from other air fryers, so it is advisable to check the doneness of the chicken.
• Phillips Air Fryer: The Phillips Air Fryer is another option for cooking chicken drumsticks. As always, keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Toaster Oven-Sized Air Fryer: If you have a larger air fryer, such as a toaster oven-sized model, you can cook all the drumsticks in a single batch. This is a convenient option if you are cooking for a larger group.
• Standard Air Fryer: A standard air fryer will also do the job. You may need to cook the drumsticks in batches to ensure even cooking, especially if you have a smaller model.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the size of the basket or cooking area, as this will determine how many drumsticks you can cook at once. Additionally, look for an air fryer with easy cleanup, as this will save you time and effort after your meal.

Frequently asked questions