Tillie Doyle
Chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the drumsticks, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the drumsticks are cooked in batches or not. The key to achieving crispy skin is to pat the drumsticks dry before cooking and to ensure the air fryer is preheated.
Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 380°F-400°F for 5 minutes |
| Pat Drumsticks Dry | Use paper towels to remove excess moisture |
| Oil | Vegetable or Olive Oil |
| Seasoning | Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Ground Black Pepper, Salt, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder |
| Air Fry Setting | 380°F-390°F for 18-25 minutes |
| Flip Drumsticks | Halfway through |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F-175°F |
| Reheating | Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F-360°F for 5-7 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and at the right temperature. It also helps the skin to puff up and get a crispy "fried" texture. While some recipes suggest that preheating the air fryer is optional, it is highly recommended.
To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before adding your chicken drumsticks. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 380-400°F (193-200°C), but you can also follow the recommended setting for your specific air fryer. For example, one recipe suggests preheating to 360ºF, while another suggests 180°C.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your 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 season the chicken or marinate it before placing it in the air fryer basket.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place the chicken drumsticks inside, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them for proper air circulation. Then, you can set the timer and let the chicken cook, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
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Pat the chicken dry
When patting the chicken dry, use a gentle but firm motion to absorb any moisture on the surface of the drumsticks. You may need to use multiple paper towels, depending on the amount of moisture present. Ensure that you dry all sides of the chicken drumsticks thoroughly. This step not only improves the texture of your final dish but also helps ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
If you are using frozen chicken drumsticks, be sure to fully thaw them before patting them dry. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you are short on time. It is important to remove any excess ice or moisture from the surface of the chicken before proceeding with the drying and seasoning steps.
Once the chicken drumsticks are patted dry, you can proceed with the next steps in your air-frying recipe, such as adding seasonings or oil and placing them in the air fryer basket for cooking. Remember to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature and cook the chicken drumsticks in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure even cooking.
By taking the time to pat the chicken dry, you are ensuring that your air-fried chicken drumsticks will have the perfect crispy texture and appealing golden colour. This step may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in achieving the desired results and taking your dish to the next level.
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Use olive oil
Using olive oil when cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and give it a nice crisp skin. It is also perfect to brush the drumsticks with before coating. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any oil you prefer to cook with.
To prepare the chicken, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush them with a light coating of olive oil. Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shake the bag until the drumsticks are covered with the spice mixture.
You can also lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or brush a light coating of olive oil over the basket to prevent the drumsticks from sticking. If you want the chicken skin to be crisp, it is recommended to cook it in contact with the hot air fryer basket.
After cooking, let the chicken rest. For extra juicy chicken, lightly tent the drumsticks in aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.
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Season the chicken
Seasoning your chicken drumsticks is a key step in the cooking process, adding flavour and helping to create that desirable crispy skin. Firstly, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is important as it removes any excess moisture, ensuring you achieve a crispy texture once cooked.
Next, prepare your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a pre-made blend, such as Italian seasoning, or create your own mix using spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For a simple blend, you can combine paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can experiment with different herbs, sauces, and flavours to create a unique taste. If you have time, you can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to infuse even more flavour.
Once you have prepared your spice blend, take a small bowl and mix in some olive oil to create a paste. Generously coat the chicken drumsticks with this mixture, ensuring every bit of skin is covered. You can use your hands to rub the spice paste all over the chicken or place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag with the seasoning and shake until they are fully coated.
After seasoning, you can place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, giving them a little space to allow for proper air circulation. Remember to preheat your air fryer and use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
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Internal temperature of 165°F
Achieving an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked thoroughly and safely. This temperature is recommended by food safety organizations, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to prevent foodborne illnesses.
To check the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, being careful not to touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the drumstick to check if the juices run clear, indicating that the chicken is cooked.
The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the specific air fryer model. However, on average, it takes around 20 to 25 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 360°F to 400°F. It is important to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
When aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F, it is recommended to cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for the recommended time, and then use the meat thermometer to check the temperature. If the desired temperature has not been reached, continue cooking in 2- to 3-minute intervals until the desired temperature is achieved. This ensures that your chicken is cooked thoroughly without overcooking it.
Remember to let the chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavorful meat. Additionally, always follow food safety guidelines when handling and storing chicken to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer for 18 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the drumsticks once halfway through.
The chicken drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a digital thermometer to check this.
Make sure to fully thaw frozen chicken drumsticks before seasoning and cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
