Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and inexpensive meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer method is a healthier alternative to frying, as it requires little to no oil, and it also reduces the mess by containing the cooking to one appliance. This method also produces a crispy texture that is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Choosing and preparing your chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick and easy meal. They can be purchased fresh or frozen, in small or large quantities, depending on your needs and freezer space.

When choosing your chicken drumsticks, look for chicken legs with the skin on. The skin helps to create a crispy outer shell when cooked in the air fryer.

Before preparing your chicken drumsticks, it is important to note that you should not wash the chicken before cooking. The bacteria in raw meat can transfer to utensils and other food items in the kitchen. Instead, use a paper towel to pat the chicken legs dry.

Once your chicken is dry, you can add your chosen seasonings. A simple blend of seasonings might include smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then place your chicken drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil or vegetable oil. Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken and toss until fully coated.

If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken drumsticks, you can marinate them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Place the seasoned chicken in a large zip-top bag, add a tablespoon of oil, shake well, and refrigerate.

Seasoning and coating your drumsticks

Next, you'll want to select your seasonings. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika will give your drumsticks a nice kick, but you can also add other spices like chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne for some heat. If you're looking for a barbecue flavour, you can add BBQ sauce to your drumsticks in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can brush your cooked drumsticks with hot sauce after air frying.

Once you've selected your seasonings, place your dry drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive or vegetable oil. Then, add your seasonings and toss until the chicken is fully coated. You can also place your drumsticks, oil, and seasonings in a large zip-top bag and shake to coat the chicken.

After your drumsticks are seasoned and coated, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer basket. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket and ensure that the drumsticks are not touching so that the air can circulate around them.

Preheating your air fryer

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 200°C (390°F) or 200°C/400°F, depending on your air fryer model. Allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes before adding your chicken drumsticks. This gives the air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately upon contact with the cooking surface.

The importance of preheating your air fryer cannot be overstated, especially when cooking chicken. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to be safe to consume, and preheating helps you achieve this. By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment, reducing the risk of undercooked or unevenly cooked chicken drumsticks.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer can help improve the texture and taste of your chicken drumsticks. Starting the cooking process in a preheated air fryer can lead to crispier skin and juicier meat, enhancing the overall sensory experience of your dish.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a simple yet essential step in the cooking process. It ensures food safety, even cooking, and optimal taste and texture. By allowing your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding your chicken drumsticks, you're setting yourself up for a successful and delicious outcome.

Cooking your drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick meal. They can be purchased in small or large quantities, and are a good option if you're on a tight budget. They are also a forgiving meat to cook and can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

To start, you'll want to season your drumsticks. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then place them in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Add your choice of seasonings and toss until they're fully coated. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. Or, if you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overlapping. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C). Then, air fry for 10-12 minutes on the first side. Flip the drumsticks and air fry for another 7-10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165-175°F.

You can check the doneness of the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. The chicken is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but you can cook it to a higher temperature if you prefer. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Your drumsticks will be juicy on the inside with a crispy skin—perfect for any occasion!

Storing, reheating and serving your drumsticks

Storing your drumsticks:

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you're not planning to eat them within this time frame, they can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating your drumsticks:

The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating your chicken drumsticks. It's quick, easy, and will ensure your drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Preheat your air fryer to 365°F (190°C) or 400°F for 5 minutes. You can brush the drumsticks with a little olive oil or butter to help keep them moist and prevent sticking. Place the drumsticks in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds as a quicker alternative, but this may not deliver the same crispy texture.

It's important to note that you should only reheat chicken once, as reheating it multiple times can lead to dry chicken and increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Serving your drumsticks:

Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after reheating to retain their juiciness. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as a simple side salad, mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, or potato salad. You can also offer dipping sauces like sugar-free BBQ sauce or honey mustard to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken drumsticks!

Frequently asked questions