Cody Casey
Chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make in the air fryer. They can be cooked in less than 20 minutes and are perfect for a busy weeknight. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of drumsticks you are cooking, so adjust accordingly. To make juicy, crispy, and tender chicken drummies, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and pat the drumsticks dry before tossing them in a spice mix and oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 200°C/400°F or 380°F (193°C) |
| Cooking temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 14-20 minutes |
| Cooking time (oven) | 20-25 minutes |
| Cooking time (microwave) | 20-30 seconds |
| Internal temperature | 165°F/74°C or 175°F |
| Reheating temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Reheating time | 5-7 minutes |
| Reheating time (oven) | 10 minutes |
| Storage time (fridge) | 3-5 days |
| Storage time (freezer) | 3-4 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By running your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken, you ensure that the appliance reaches the desired temperature of 200C/400F and is ready to cook the food evenly from the start. This step is especially crucial if you want your chicken drumsticks to have a crispy "fried" texture. Preheating allows the skin to puff up and gives it that distinctive golden, crispy exterior.
To preheat your air fryer effectively, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 200C/400F. Different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating functions, so refer to your appliance's instructions for specific details. Let the air fryer run for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. This process ensures that when you place your seasoned chicken drumsticks into the air fryer basket, they will start cooking immediately at the desired temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken drumsticks. Start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving that sought-after crispy skin. Once the drumsticks are dry, you can brush them with olive oil on all sides. The oil plays a crucial role in helping the spice rub adhere to the chicken and creating an even, golden browning.
After preheating your air fryer to 200C/400F and preparing your chicken drumsticks, you can move on to the next step of placing the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cooking them. Remember to give the drumsticks a little space in the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly. By following these steps and paying attention to the preheating process, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious, evenly cooked chicken drumsticks with crispy skin.
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Pat dry the chicken and season
To make juicy, crispy chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you'll want to start by patting the chicken dry. This step is key to achieving that crispy, golden skin. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the drumsticks.
Next, you'll want to season the chicken. Take a small bowl and add your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a little cayenne pepper for some heat. Mix your spices well, then toss the drumsticks through the spice mix, ensuring each piece of chicken is well coated.
After the chicken is seasoned, drizzle or brush the drumsticks with olive oil. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensures even browning in the air fryer. You can also choose to marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before adding the spice mix for an extra boost of flavor.
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Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway
To make juicy, crispy chicken drummies in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is essential for achieving crispy skin. Then, brush each drumstick with olive oil on all sides. The oil helps the rub stick and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
Next, generously sprinkle your spice rub all over the chicken, ensuring that every bit of skin is coated. You can use a blend of your favourite spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some Italian seasoning or Ranch seasoning to the flour before cooking for extra flavour.
Once the drumsticks are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without overlapping or stacking. This is important because it allows the hot air to circulate properly. Now, it's time to cook the chicken drummies. Set the timer for 14 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.
After 14 minutes, check the chicken drummies to see if they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken has not reached this temperature, you can add another 2-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Once the chicken drummies are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite sides. Enjoy the juicy, crispy, and flavourful treat!
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Check the internal temperature is 165F
Checking the internal temperature of your chicken drummies is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and safely. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that chicken should be cooked 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 consume.
To check the internal temperature, you will need a meat thermometer. There are various types available, including digital and instant-read thermometers. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, ensuring that you do not touch the bone, as this can affect the accuracy of the reading.
If you are cooking a large batch of chicken drummies, it is important to check the temperature of multiple pieces to ensure even cooking. The temperature should read 165°F, indicating that the meat is cooked thoroughly. If the temperature is below this, return the chicken to the air fryer and cook in increments of 2-5 minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender final product. Enjoy your safely cooked chicken drummies!
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Reheat in the air fryer until crispy
Reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get them crispy. If you have cooked chicken drumsticks that you want to reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer and heat them up for around 3 to 7 minutes. It is important to ensure the chicken is thoroughly reheated, so use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
You can also reheat frozen drumsticks in the air fryer. To do this, defrost the drumsticks first by leaving them in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the same reheating process as above.
It is not recommended to wash chicken before cooking it, due to the risk of spreading bacteria. However, it is important to pat the chicken dry before reheating, to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure the skin is crispy.
Reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy texture, without having to turn on your oven. It is a quick and easy method that will have your chicken ready to eat in no time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook chicken drummies in an air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy, and when an instant-read meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
To get crispy chicken drummies, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove any excess moisture. You can also leave the skin on the chicken, as this helps to make the chicken crispier.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Allow the chicken drummies to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat chicken drummies in an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
