Air Frying Drumsticks: How Long Should You Fry?

Air fryers are a convenient, healthy, and time-saving alternative to traditional frying methods. They are especially useful for cooking chicken drumsticks, which can be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness, the cooking time for drumsticks can vary from 10 to 25 minutes at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 390°F. Some recipes also include a marination process, which can add to the overall preparation time but enhances the flavour of the dish.

How to season drumsticks for the air fryer

Ingredients

To season your drumsticks, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Dried oregano (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

• Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl.
• Drizzle the oil over the drumsticks. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil for this step.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl. You can stick to the basics, like smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt, or get creative with additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or brown sugar.
• Ensure that the drumsticks are well coated with the oil and seasonings. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly.
• Once the drumsticks are evenly coated, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket.
• For extra flavour, you can let the drumsticks marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 24 hours before air frying.

Tips

• You can adjust the amount of each seasoning to your taste preferences.
• Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect blend.
• If you want to add a sauce to your drumsticks, it is recommended to dip them in the sauce after air frying, or brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.

How long to cook drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook chicken drumsticks, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes. The length of time needed to cook drumsticks in an air fryer depends on the number of drumsticks being cooked, the desired texture, and the specific air fryer being used.

Air Fryer Settings

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to temperatures between 180°C and 200°C (around 380°F to 400°F). The cooking time varies between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the number of drumsticks and the desired texture. It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the air fryer model, so adjustments may be necessary.

Cooking Times

For juicy and tender drumsticks, it is recommended to cook them for around 10 minutes on each side, for a total of 20 minutes. For crispier drumsticks, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes on the second side, for a total of 22 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Tips for Perfect Drumsticks

For even cooking and browning, it is recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drumsticks are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and are in a single layer. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the drumsticks evenly.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

Checking if your chicken is cooked through is an important step to avoid foodborne illnesses. Here are some ways to ensure your chicken is cooked:

Check the Juices

You can check the colour of the juices by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a knife or fork. If the juices are clear, the chicken is cooked. If the juices are red or pink, the chicken needs to be cooked longer.

Check the Internal Colour

You can also check the internal colour of the chicken meat. Make a small incision in the thickest part of the meat. If the meat is white or opaque, it is cooked. If it is pink, it is not ready.

Check the Internal Temperature

Checking the internal temperature of the chicken is the most accurate way to ensure it is cooked. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it is not touching the bone. The ideal internal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F or 75°C.

Check the Size

The proteins in chicken shrink as they cook. If the chicken looks seared and golden on the outside but is still the same size as when it was raw, it may need more time.

The "Finger Test"

Some cooks use the "finger test" as a reference for checking the doneness of meat. This involves learning what raw meat feels like by pinching the flesh of your hand below your thumb while your hand is relaxed. Then, to know what rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done meat feels like, touch the tips of your pointer finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie finger, respectively, to the tip of your thumb.

What to serve with air-fried drumsticks

Air-fried drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some mouth-watering ideas for what to serve with air-fried drumsticks:

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and for good reason. They are a perfect complement to air-fried drumsticks, offering a range of textures and flavours that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Try air fryer baked potatoes, potato wedges, funeral potatoes, or potato salad for a hearty and comforting meal.

Vegetables

For a healthy and colourful option, serve your air-fried drumsticks with vegetables. Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, roasted potatoes, quick-pickled beets, or a green salad with crunchy leaves are all excellent choices. Not only will they add some nutritional balance to your meal, but they will also provide a burst of flavour and texture.

Beans and Corn

For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve your air-fried drumsticks with beans or corn casserole. These sides are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends. They are easy to prepare and will leave your guests feeling happy and content.

Dipping Sauces

Take your drumsticks to the next level by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favourite Asian sauce will add a burst of flavour to each bite. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your perfect combination.

Other Side Dishes

If you want to explore more unique options, there are plenty of other side dishes that will pair perfectly with air-fried drumsticks. Try cheesy mashed potato cakes, Middle Eastern Batata Harra, rice pilaf, or even air fryer French fries for a fun and crispy treat. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and find the perfect side dish to suit your taste buds.

How to store leftover drumsticks

Air fryer drumsticks are a quick, convenient, and tasty meal option. But what should you do with leftover drumsticks? Here are some detailed tips and ideas on how to store and use leftover chicken drumsticks:

Storing Leftover Drumsticks

Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing, and use them within 2 days for the best quality. You can also freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Leftover Drumsticks

To reheat the drumsticks, you can use the air fryer again! Reheat them for a few minutes at 350-375°F (180-190°C) until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Using Leftover Drumsticks in Recipes

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be used in a variety of recipes to create new and exciting meals:

• Pick the meat off the bones and use it in a new recipe, such as a salad, sandwich, or wrap.
• Create a new dish by adding different sauces or spices to the drumsticks, like BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or a honey mustard dip.
• Make chicken nachos, quesadillas, or wraps using the leftover chicken.
• Use the leftover chicken in a soup, stew, or chow mein for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Add the chicken to a fried rice dish for a quick and tasty dinner.
• Make savory pancakes or crispy egg rolls with small amounts of leftover chicken.
• Use the leftover chicken bones to make a rich and flavorful chicken stock.

Frequently asked questions