Air Fryer Drumsticks: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Chicken drumsticks are a popular choice for air fryer enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. Air-fried drumsticks are a quick, convenient, and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish, with minimal cleanup required. But how long do they actually take to cook?

How to make air fryer drumsticks

Ingredients

To make air fryer drumsticks, you will need:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Chili powder (optional)
• Cumin (optional)
• All-purpose flour (optional)
• Baking powder or corn starch (optional)

Method

• Prepare the marinade by combining the oil and seasonings in a small bowl.
• Place the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag. Drizzle with the marinade and toss to coat.
• Let the drumsticks chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded or touching.
• Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F when fully cooked.
• If the chicken is not fully cooked, return to the air fryer for another 2-5 minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For crispier drumsticks, leave the skin on.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken for a crispier texture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, rather than relying on time alone.
• If you want to add sauce to your drumsticks, do so after cooking to maintain crispiness.

How long to cook drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fryer drumsticks are a quick and easy meal, taking less than 30 minutes to cook. 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.

Preparation

Before cooking, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the seasoning sticks to the chicken. You can also choose to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for drumsticks in an air fryer will vary depending on the number of drumsticks and the size of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 20-25 minutes to cook drumsticks in an air fryer, but this can range from 14 to 30 minutes. It is important to cook the drumsticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the cooking time and crispiness.

The temperature setting for cooking drumsticks in an air fryer is typically between 380-400°F (190-200°C).

Flipping

It is recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if the drumsticks are cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be considered safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it is not touching the bone.

Tips for Crispy Drumsticks

For crispier drumsticks, leave the skin on. You can also brush or drizzle the drumsticks with oil before coating them with seasoning or placing them in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer drumsticks can be served as-is or with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. They go well with various side dishes, including roasted potatoes, French fries, rice pilaf, or vegetables.

Tips for the best air fryer drumsticks

Know Your Air Fryer

Air fryer models vary, so be sure to check and monitor your chicken drumsticks to avoid overcooking or undercooking. Adjust your timings and temperatures accordingly.

Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your drumsticks. The thickest, fleshiest part of the drumstick should read 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat.

Let the Meat Rest

Allow the meat to rest before serving. This lets the meat reabsorb and redistribute its moisture, making the fibres more tender.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Running your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken will help the skin puff up and get a crispy "fried" texture.

Sauce at the End

If you're adding sauce to your drumsticks, wait until they've cooked and crisped up. You can also layer on the sauce during cooking to create a crunchy "crust".

Avoid Peeking

Since air fryers are sealed, it's hard to judge the doneness of your chicken by its appearance. Only open the air fryer to flip the drumsticks or check their temperature to prevent heat from escaping.

Use a Digital Thermometer

Insert a digital thermometer into the middle of the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, without touching the bone, to get an accurate reading.

Don't Crowd the Basket

Give your chicken drumsticks some space in the air fryer basket. This helps the hot air circulate and gives you that fried texture.

Chicken drumstick variations

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be customised with different spices, rubs, and sauces to suit your taste. Here are some mouth-watering variations for you to try in your air fryer:

Spices and Seasonings

The beauty of chicken is that it pairs well with a variety of spices and seasonings. For a simple yet flavourful option, you can stick to the basics like smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. If you want to take it up a notch, add some dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even brown sugar for a hint of sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Rubs

Take your chicken drumsticks to the next level with a rub. In addition to the spices mentioned above, you can try taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ground mustard, or celery seed. Mix and match these spices to create a rub that suits your taste buds.

Sauces

While air fryer chicken drumsticks are delicious on their own, sometimes you might crave a saucy kick. For a classic option, brush on some BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping your drumsticks in ranch dressing, hot sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or your favourite Asian sauce. Get creative and make your own special sauce!

Marinades

Marinades are a great way to infuse flavour into your chicken drumsticks. Try marinating your drumsticks in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also experiment with different combinations of oils, spices, and herbs to create your signature marinade.

Sides

Chicken drumsticks go well with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort food pairing, serve them with potato wedges, funeral potatoes, or baked potatoes. If you're looking for something healthier, air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, roasted potatoes, or quick-pickled beets are great options. You can also pair them with spicy beans, French fries, rice pilaf, or any of your favourite sides.

How to store and reheat chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Storing Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer

For best results, thaw frozen chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator before reheating. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Brush or spray the chicken drumsticks with olive oil or butter to keep them moist during reheating. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded or touching. Reheat for 8-10 minutes for larger pieces, flipping halfway through. Smaller pieces, like tenders or wings, will take less time, around 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when perfectly reheated.

Frequently asked questions