Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal. They are even better when cooked in an air fryer, which makes them perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Air-fried chicken drumsticks are healthier, easier to cook and clean, and can be customised with your favourite herbs and spices. They are also versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, making them a convenient option for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect crispy and juicy drumsticks.

How to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and at the right temperature. Preheating your air fryer is similar to preheating your oven, which is typically done before baking or roasting.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F (193°C to 200°C). You can refer to your specific recipe for the optimal temperature. Let the air fryer run for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. This process ensures that the air fryer basket is hot and ready to cook the chicken drumsticks evenly.

Preheating the air fryer also helps to create the desired crispy texture on the chicken skin. The hot air fryer basket, in combination with a light coating of oil on the chicken, will produce a golden, crispy exterior. This initial heating step is crucial for achieving the desired crunch and flavour.

Additionally, preheating allows the air fryer to circulate hot air effectively. This even circulation of hot air ensures that the chicken drumsticks are cooked thoroughly and consistently. It is important to give the air fryer a few minutes to preheat before adding the chicken to the basket.

By preheating your air fryer, you create the optimal conditions for cooking chicken drumsticks. This step ensures even cooking, the right temperature, and the development of a crispy texture. Following this step will help you achieve delicious and consistently cooked chicken drumsticks every time.

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry

To cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you'll want to start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry. This step is important because it helps to ensure that the chicken skin will become crispy when cooked. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the drumsticks. Make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly—don't just give it a quick wipe!

Removing the excess moisture is key to achieving that coveted crispy, golden skin. You want the chicken skin to be as dry as possible before it goes into the air fryer. This is because the hot air of the air fryer will cause any moisture on the chicken skin to evaporate quickly, creating that crispy texture you're aiming for.

Patting the chicken dry will also help the oil and seasonings adhere to the chicken. A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensures even browning in the air fryer. So, if you want your chicken drumsticks to be nicely coated in spices and have a beautiful golden colour, don't skip the step of patting them dry!

Finally, patting the chicken drumsticks dry helps to reduce the mess. Air frying chicken drumsticks can be a neat and tidy process, as the mess is contained within the air fryer. By removing excess moisture before cooking, you can help to ensure that there won't be any splattering or spilling during the cooking process, keeping your kitchen clean and mess-free.

Season the chicken drumsticks

To make juicy and tender chicken drumsticks with a crispy crunch in an air fryer, you need to season the chicken drumsticks well. Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring you get that crispy skin. Then, take a small bowl and add all your spices and mix them well. You can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper if you like your chicken spicy. Next, drizzle olive oil over the chicken drumsticks. You can use other oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and gives it a nice crisp skin once air-fried. Now, sprinkle the spice mixture generously all over the chicken, making sure every bit of skin is coated.

Cook the chicken drumsticks

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (193–200°C). While it's heating up, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture, which is key for achieving crispy skin.

Next, brush or drizzle each drumstick with olive oil on all sides. The oil helps the rub stick and creates a golden, crispy exterior. Then, sprinkle your spice rub generously all over the chicken, ensuring every bit of skin is coated. You can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper, or your own combination of favourite spices.

Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, giving them a little space so the hot air can circulate. Cook for 10 minutes, then pull out the basket and flip the drumsticks over. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up all around. Cook for another 6–10 minutes. If you want extra crispy skin, let them cook for another 5 minutes or so, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Check your chicken is done using a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature, such as 175°F.

Reheat and store leftovers

Once cooked, allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, you can either microwave the drumsticks for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. You can also use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions