Emilie Meyer
Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick and easy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes and require minimal preparation. The air fryer's hot air circulation gives the chicken a crispy, fried texture without the need for deep frying in oil. This method produces juicy, tender meat with a delicious crunchy coating. The recipe can be adapted to your taste, with a variety of seasonings and spices to choose from. You can also opt for a cornflake coating for an extra-crispy treat.
How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 380-400°F (193-200°C) |
| Pat Drumsticks Dry | Use paper towels to remove excess moisture |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning |
| Oil | Olive oil or vegetable oil |
| Air Fryer Basket | Single layer of drumsticks with space between them |
| Air Fry | 14-25 minutes at 390-400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through |
| Internal Temperature | 165-175°F |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fry until crispy |
| Storage | Airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-4 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and thoroughly from the start. The preheating temperature varies across air fryers, with some recipes recommending 380°F (193°C), 390°F (200°C), or 400°F (200°C). It is best to consult your air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal preheating temperature.
During preheating, you can prepare the chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving crispy skin. You can also season the chicken with a spice rub or a simple sprinkling of salt. If you opt for a spice rub, combine your chosen spices in a small bowl, and then drizzle oil over the drumsticks before tossing them in the spice mixture. Ensure that the drumsticks are well coated.
While preheating, you can also prepare your air fryer basket. It is important to not overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 4-6 drumsticks without any overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can place the seasoned drumsticks in the basket. Make sure to give them a little space so that the hot air can circulate, cooking the chicken evenly. Now, you are ready to proceed with the cooking stage, following your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature.
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that ensures your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and thoroughly. By taking the time to preheat your appliance and prepare your drumsticks, you can achieve the desired crispy texture and flavorful taste that air-fried chicken drumsticks offer.
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Pat the chicken dry
To get that crispy, golden skin on your chicken drumsticks, it's important to pat them dry before placing them in the air fryer. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the drumsticks. This step is key to achieving the desired texture and ensuring even browning.
Make sure to pat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring that all sides of each drumstick are completely dry. This process will also help the seasoning stick to the chicken, creating a delicious flavour and the desired crispy exterior.
Removing the excess moisture with paper towels is a crucial step, especially if you are cooking frozen chicken drumsticks. It is recommended to thaw frozen chicken drumsticks overnight in the fridge before cooking. By patting them dry, you can eliminate any remaining moisture, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
Once the chicken is dry, you can move on to the next step of brushing or drizzling each drumstick with olive oil or vegetable oil. This step will further enhance the crispiness of the chicken and help the rub or seasoning adhere to the skin.
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Season the chicken
To season the chicken drumsticks, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. For example, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning.
First, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure that the skin of the chicken becomes crispy when cooked. Then, place the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. Vegetable or olive oil can be used for this purpose. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with oil.
Next, prepare your chosen spices by mixing them together in a separate bowl. You can adjust the amount of each spice according to your taste preferences. Once mixed, sprinkle the spices generously over the drumsticks, ensuring that every bit of skin is coated evenly. You can also try dipping the drumsticks in the spice mixture to ensure an even coating.
Finally, place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded and that no pieces overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and cook the chicken evenly.
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Cook the chicken
Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The first step is to prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. You can also choose to marinate the chicken drumsticks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added flavor.
Next, you'll want to season the chicken. Place the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle them with oil, using a light coating to ensure even browning. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your own spice mix. Make sure the drumsticks are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (193-200°C). Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks over to ensure even cooking and browning.
Cook for another 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. The chicken is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but for bone-in dark meat, it is best to cook to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, being careful not to touch the bone with the thermometer for accurate results.
Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can serve it immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy your juicy and crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks!
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Reheat and store leftovers
To store leftover chicken drumsticks, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 4 months.
To reheat the chicken drumsticks, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can then pop them back into the air fryer, preheated to 350°F to 360°F, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20-25 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (193-200°C).
Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For bone-in dark meat, it is recommended to cook to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F.
