Air-Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Timing For Perfect Results

Chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and healthy meal to cook in an air fryer. They can be ready in under 30 minutes and are a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.

How to get the skin crispy

To get the skin of your chicken drumsticks crispy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you are using skin-on drumsticks as this will give you crispier results. Secondly, the temperature and cooking time are important factors. Preheat your air fryer to around 380°F - 400°F and cook for about 20-25 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken drumsticks and the specific model of your air fryer. It is recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process.

To get the skin extra crispy, you can add a little oil to the chicken before cooking. Brush each chicken drumstick with olive oil or avocado oil on both sides and then apply your chosen seasoning. Make sure to use oil with a high smoke point. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and enhance the flavour. However, this step is optional as the air fryer can crisp up the skin without oil.

Another tip to ensure crispy skin is to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer with some space between each drumstick to allow the hot air to circulate. If your air fryer is prone to sticking, give the basket a quick spritz with olive oil before adding the chicken.

Finally, check that the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy enough before serving. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F - 180°F. If the skin is not crispy enough, you can cook the drumsticks for an additional few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispness.

How to season chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken drumsticks, followed by some specific seasoning ideas you can try!

Step-by-step Guide to Seasoning Chicken Drumsticks:

• Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better to the chicken. You can also use a sharp knife to make deep slashes in the fleshy parts of the drumsticks, which will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat more effectively.
• Choose Your Oil: The next step is to select an oil that complements your chosen seasoning. For example, olive oil goes well with Mediterranean or herbal seasonings, while avocado oil or another oil with a higher smoke point may be preferable for cooking at higher temperatures. Brush or drizzle the oil over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Select Your Seasoning: This is where you can get creative! Choose a seasoning blend that appeals to your taste buds. Options include a simple mix of salt and pepper, a BBQ rub, a taco seasoning blend, Cajun seasoning, or a combination of your favourite dried or fresh herbs and spices. Don't forget to include salt in your seasoning mix, as this will enhance the other flavours.
• Apply the Seasoning: Sprinkle or rub the seasoning blend generously over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a pastry brush for this step. If you're short on time or want a simpler option, you can also place the drumsticks in a plastic bag, add the oil and seasoning, and shake to coat the chicken.
• Marinate (Optional): For more intense flavours, you can let the seasoned drumsticks marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour of the chicken.
• Cooking Instructions: Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen cooking method (e.g., air fryer, oven, grill). The cooking time will depend on the cooking method and the size of your drumsticks, but on average, they will take around 20-45 minutes to cook thoroughly. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.

Specific Seasoning Ideas for Chicken Drumsticks:

• Smoked Paprika Blend: For a classic flavour profile, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Garlic Herb Seasoning: Create your own blend or use a store-bought garlic herb seasoning mix.
• BBQ: Use a dry BBQ seasoning blend and brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Tandoori: Try a tandoori seasoning mix and serve with Indian-inspired sides like coriander and garlic green rice, mint yoghurt sauce, and naan bread.
• Barbecue Rub: Make a homemade blend of dark brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, celery seed, and cayenne pepper.
• Taco Seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika for a Mexican-inspired flavour.
• Cajun Seasoning: Opt for a Cajun blend—and don't worry, it's not too spicy!
• Hot Sauce and Blue Cheese: Toss the cooked drumsticks in your favourite hot sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a buffalo-style treat.

How to cook chicken drumsticks from frozen

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (frozen)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Any other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, BBQ sauce, etc.)
• Meat thermometer

Instructions:

• Remove the frozen chicken drumsticks from their packaging and separate them if they are stuck together.
• If the chicken is clumped together and crystallized, rinse it under cold running water to separate the pieces.
• (Optional) For extra crispy skin, make some slashes in the fleshy parts of the drumsticks. This will help the seasoning penetrate the chicken and will also ensure even cooking.
• Dry the chicken drumsticks thoroughly with paper towels.
• (Optional) Preheat your air fryer. Note that not all air fryers require preheating, so check your model's instructions.
• Brush or drizzle olive oil on the chicken drumsticks.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can also add some citrus juice. Make sure to season generously, as this will help create a crispy skin.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each drumstick to allow air to circulate.
• Air fry the chicken at 360-400°F for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. If you started with crystallized frozen chicken, skip the initial 1-minute cooking time at a lower temperature and cook for 25-30 minutes.
• To get a crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
• Check if the chicken is cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also make a cut in the thickest part and check that the meat is white in the center.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• If you are using a sauce, add it 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
• For even cooking, flip the chicken drumsticks over halfway through the cooking time.
• Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to store and reheat chicken drumsticks

Storing Chicken Drumsticks

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it into freezer bags or an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag before sealing it closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Drumsticks

There are several ways to reheat chicken drumsticks, including using an oven, microwave, stove, or air fryer. Here are detailed instructions for each method:

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the leftover drumsticks in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Add some liquid, such as broth or water, to the bottom of the dish to prevent drying out.
• Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Microwave:

• Place the leftover drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
• Cover them loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Set the microwave to medium-high power (around 70%) and start with 2-4 minutes of heating time, depending on the amount of chicken.
• Rotate the drumsticks every minute or so to promote even cooking.
• Use a food thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.

Stove:

• Prepare the chicken by removing the meat from the bone and checking for any cartilage. Slice the meat into 1-inch thick pieces.
• Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom.
• Once the water simmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Lower the heat and stir until the chicken is hot.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes.
• Place the leftover drumsticks in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer.
• Heat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

How to tell when chicken drumsticks are cooked

Chicken drumsticks are a delicious, easy-to-prepare meal that can be made in an air fryer in about 20-30 minutes. But how can you tell when they're cooked? Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection:

Check the Internal Temperature

The best way to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone, and check the temperature. If it hasn't reached 165°F, continue cooking and check again in a few minutes.

Observe the Juices

Another way to check if your chicken is cooked is to observe the juices. Cut into the thickest part of the meat—if the juices run clear, your chicken is likely done. However, be cautious as this method may not always be accurate. Fully cooked chicken can sometimes have reddish juices due to factors such as the chicken's age, acidity in the tissues, and the cooking method.

Examine the Tendons and Skin

For chicken drumsticks, you can also check if the tendons have shrunk and pulled away from the ankle, exposing a bit of bone. Additionally, the skin at the narrower part of the drumstick should tear easily when the chicken is cooked.

Check for Shrinkage

For dark meat, such as chicken drumsticks, you can tell if they're cooked when the meat begins to shrink away from the bone. The joints between the thigh and body, and the thigh and drumstick, should move freely when the chicken is done.

Don't Overcook

Remember, it's important not to undercook your chicken to avoid foodborne illnesses, but you also don't want to overcook it. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. So, use these methods to check the doneness of your chicken drumsticks and remove them from the heat when they're cooked through. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and tender air-fried chicken!

Frequently asked questions