Tiffany Haney
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but how long do you cook them in an air fryer? The answer depends on the size of your air fryer, the number of drumsticks, and your desired level of crispiness. On average, chicken drumsticks take between 14 to 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer, with some sources recommending 25 minutes at 380-400°F (193-200°C) as the optimal temperature and time combination for juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes, for a few minutes to ensure even cooking. |
| Temperature | 380°F-400°F (193°C-200°C) |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar. |
| Oil | Olive oil or vegetable oil. |
| Cooking Time | 14-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3-4 months. |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer until crispy. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F
Preheating your air fryer is a great way to speed up cooking time and make your food extra crispy. It's not always necessary, but it's a good idea when you're cooking chicken drummies.
To preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F, start by checking your air fryer's manual to ensure it can handle preheating. Then, hit the preheat button if your air fryer has one, and set the temperature to 200C/400F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, simply set the temperature to 200C/400F and let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes.
Some sources suggest that preheating at this temperature should take around 2 to 3 minutes, while others claim it can be done in as little as 10 seconds. However, it's important to note that different air fryer models may vary, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken drummies. Pat the drumsticks dry and toss them in a spice mixture of your choice. You can include spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Drizzle the seasoned drumsticks with oil to ensure they cook up nice and crispy.
Once your air fryer has preheated to 200C/400F, you can place the chicken drummies in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches. Air fry for about 14 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, until they're cooked through and crispy.
For an accurate doneness test, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken drummies has reached 165°F.
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Pat dry the chicken drummies
Before patting the chicken dry, you can season the drummies by adding your choice of spices and oil. For example, you could use olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. You can also add dried oregano, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
After patting the chicken dry, you can place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them so that the hot air can circulate properly. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to preheat it first.
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Season the chicken
Seasoning your chicken drumsticks is a key step in ensuring they are tasty and delicious. The first step is to pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This removes any excess moisture and is an important step in achieving that crispy skin.
Next, you'll want to add your seasoning. Place the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil—the oil will help the seasoning stick and give the chicken a nice crisp skin. For the seasoning, you can use a simple combination of smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. You can also add dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavour. Mix the spices together in a small bowl before sprinkling the spice rub generously all over the chicken, ensuring every bit of skin is coated.
If you have time, you can also try marinating the chicken before cooking. Just 30 minutes in some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can infuse a ton of flavour into your chicken.
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Cook for 14-25 minutes
Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the number of drumsticks you are cooking, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.
Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure the drumsticks cook evenly. Preheat to around 380-400°F (193-200°C). While it's heating up, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is essential for achieving crispy skin. Then, drizzle or brush each drumstick with olive oil or vegetable oil on all sides, and season generously with your chosen spices and herbs.
Place the chicken drumsticks into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have a little space for the hot air to circulate. Depending on your air fryer model and the number of drumsticks, cook for 14-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. For a single layer of drumsticks, 14 minutes should be sufficient. However, for a fuller air fryer, you may need to cook for up to 25 minutes.
During cooking, you can check the doneness of the chicken by using a fork and knife to cut into a small piece and ensure the meat is cooked to your preference. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, you can add another 2-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Once cooked, remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
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Check the internal temperature
Checking the internal temperature of your chicken drummies is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked properly and safely. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed, making the chicken safe to eat.
To check the internal temperature of your chicken drummies, you will need a meat thermometer. There are different types of meat thermometers available, such as digital or instant-read thermometers. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, making sure not to touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
It is important to check the temperature towards the end of the cooking process. You can do this when you open the air fryer to flip the drummies or after the recommended cooking time has elapsed. Avoid opening the air fryer too frequently just to check the temperature, as this will cause heat to escape and may affect the cooking time and texture of the chicken.
If the internal temperature of the chicken drummies has not reached 165°F (74°C), you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Check the temperature again after this additional cooking time to ensure the chicken has reached the safe minimum temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook chicken drummies in an air fryer for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken drummies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (193-200°C).
The chicken drummies are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Pat the chicken drummies dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the chicken.
Yes, you can add sauce to the chicken drummies. If you want the sauce to create a crunchy "crust," add it towards the end of the cooking time. If you want the sauce to be absorbed into the chicken, add it at the beginning of the cooking time.
