Frying Chicken Drumsticks: Air Fryer Time Perfection

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, convenient, and tasty meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The circulating air in the fryer ensures even cooking, resulting in succulent crispy outsides and tender, juicy meat inside. The key to achieving the perfect crispiness is to leave the skin on the drumsticks. This recipe is also highly customisable, allowing you to experiment with different spices, sauces, and dips to suit your taste preferences.

Seasoning and coating

The seasoning and coating of your chicken drumsticks are crucial steps in achieving that mouth-watering, crispy texture and flavourful taste. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect seasoning and coating for your air-fried chicken drumsticks:

Choose Your Seasonings

The right combination of seasonings can elevate the flavour of your chicken drumsticks. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Smoked paprika: This adds a hint of smokiness and colour to your chicken.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savoury flavour of the dish.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavour. You can substitute it with garlic powder if you prefer a slightly different taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavour.
• Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and promotes caramelisation, giving your chicken a beautiful golden colour.
• Cumin: Brings out the "meaty" flavour of the chicken.
• Chili powder: If you like your food spicy, this is a great option to add a kick.

Prepare Your Chicken Drumsticks

Before you apply the seasoning and coating, it is essential to prepare your chicken drumsticks properly:

• Pat the drumsticks dry: Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken. This step is crucial as it ensures that the seasoning and coating will adhere better to the chicken.
• Place in a bowl or plastic bag: Put your chicken drumsticks in a container that allows for easy tossing and coating.

Create Your Coating

The coating plays a vital role in achieving that desirable crispy texture. Here's how you can make it:

• Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can also add all-purpose flour and baking powder or cornstarch to create a crispier coating.
• Add oil: Drizzle olive oil or any other oil of your choice over the chicken drumsticks. You can also brush the chicken with oil to ensure an even coating.
• Toss and coat: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and toss until they are fully coated. Make sure to get an even distribution of the spices on all sides of the chicken.

Let the Flavours Marry

Once your chicken drumsticks are coated, it is ideal to let the flavours meld together:

Marinate: Place the coated drumsticks in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This step allows the flavours to penetrate the chicken, resulting in juicier and more flavourful drumsticks.

Now that your chicken drumsticks are seasoned and coated, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and follow the cooking instructions provided earlier. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flavourful air-fried chicken drumsticks!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will depend on the number of drumsticks being cooked, the size of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness. However, on average, chicken drumsticks will take around 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer at a temperature of between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the doneness of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked.

When cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it is recommended to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This will help to ensure that the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken drumsticks, while others recommend placing the drumsticks in the air fryer without preheating.

For best results, it is recommended to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings or oil. This will help the seasonings and oil adhere to the drumsticks and create a crispier exterior.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the drumsticks in batches if necessary, ensuring that they are in a single layer and not overlapping or stacking. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Some recipes also suggest brushing the air fryer basket with oil or using a cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Flipping and overcrowding

Flipping your chicken drumsticks is an important step in the air-frying process. By flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time, you ensure that both sides of the drumsticks cook evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness and golden brown colour. This is because the side of the chicken closest to the fan in an air fryer will cook faster than the other side.

When flipping the drumsticks, it is also a good opportunity to check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is important to prevent undercooking or overcooking, which can result in dry or tough meat.

In addition to flipping, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This is because the circulating hot air in the fryer needs to reach all parts of the chicken drumsticks to cook them evenly and create that desirable crispy texture. If the basket is overcrowded, the hot air may not circulate effectively, resulting in uneven cooking and a less crispy final product.

To prevent overcrowding, it is recommended to cook the chicken drumsticks in batches, especially if you are preparing a larger quantity. By cooking in batches, you ensure that each drumstick has enough space in the basket to cook properly and achieve the desired level of crispness.

In summary, flipping your chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking process and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket are crucial steps to ensure even cooking and the best possible outcome for your air-fried chicken drumsticks.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

To make air fryer chicken drumsticks, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (with skin on for a crispier texture)
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice (vegetable, canola, avocado, sunflower, etc.)
• Spices and seasonings such as:
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Celery seed
• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Optional ingredients:
• Flour or cornstarch
• Baking powder
• BBQ sauce, hot sauce, honey mustard, or another sauce of your choice

Step-by-Step Guide

• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing the moisture will help the oil and herbs stick better.
• Prepare your chosen spices and seasonings by combining them in a small bowl and mixing well. You can also add flour or cornstarch to this mixture for an extra crispy coating.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl or a plastic bag. Drizzle with olive oil or your chosen oil and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated. You can let them marinate in the spice mixture for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator for extra flavour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or stacked.
• Air fry the chicken drumsticks for 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your drumsticks and your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks with a meat thermometer. They are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If they have not reached this temperature, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
• Once the chicken drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• For an extra crispy coating, you can brush the chicken drumsticks with BBQ sauce or another sauce of your choice during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Variations

• It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken drumsticks in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken and prevent overcooking.
• Let the chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
• You can customise the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences or experiment with different sauces.
• Air fryer chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, French fries, roasted vegetables, or salad.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Potatoes

• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer twice-baked potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Baked potatoes

Vegetables

• Japanese potato salad
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Roasted potatoes
• Quick-pickled beets
• Coleslaw
• Brussel sprouts
• Corn casserole

Breads

• 2-ingredient biscuits
• Potato rolls
• Dinner rolls

Other Sides

• Rice pilaf
• BBQ baked beans
• Mac and cheese
• Spicy beans
• Funeral potatoes
• Cheese sauce

Sauces

• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Asian sauce

Desserts

• Banana pudding
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Bars
• Pies
• Crisps
• Cobblers
• Cakes
• Cupcakes

Frequently asked questions