Air-Fryer Drumsticks: Timing For Perfectly Cooked Meat

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the drumsticks and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, they take around 20-25 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380-400°F. The key to getting crispy drumsticks is to leave the skin on and ensure they are cooked in a single layer without overlapping or stacking. The air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks, as it requires minimal oil and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.

How to season drumsticks for the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (with skin on for crispiness)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil, butter, or bacon grease)
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder)

Method:

• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle or brush the chicken drumsticks with olive oil.
• In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings and mix well.
• Add the chicken drumsticks to a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture, tossing until fully coated.
• Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or stacked.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Air fry at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
• The chicken drumsticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices and experiment with different flavors! You can also try using a dry rub or marinade for added flavor. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned air-fried drumsticks!

How long to cook drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way of cooking chicken drumsticks, as they can be ready in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook drumsticks in an air fryer.

Preparation

First, you will need to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess moisture, making the drumsticks extra crispy when cooked in the air fryer. You can also coat the chicken in olive oil at this stage, which will help the seasonings to stick.

Seasoning

Next, you will need to season the chicken. You can use any combination of spices you like, but some popular options include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. You can also add a teaspoon of brown sugar to add a hint of caramelisation and sweetness. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle them over the chicken, tossing until the drumsticks are fully coated.

Cooking

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. You may need to cook the drumsticks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Set the air fryer to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 20-25 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your chicken.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. You can check this by using a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving

Air fryer chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, vegetables, or a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to store leftover drumsticks

When storing leftover drumsticks, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly store leftover drumsticks:

Step 1: Cooling Down

Allow the cooked drumsticks to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial as placing hot food directly in the refrigerator can raise the temperature of the appliance, creating an unsafe environment for other foods. It can also affect the flavour and texture of the drumsticks.

Step 2: Storing in the Refrigerator

Once the drumsticks have cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the container is not overcrowded to maintain even cooling. Store the drumsticks in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days.

Step 3: Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you wish to store the leftover drumsticks for longer, consider freezing them. Place the drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the storage date. Drumsticks can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

Step 4: Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover drumsticks, simply remove them from the refrigerator or freezer. You can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until they are heated through and crispy. If using a microwave, aim for 20-30 seconds for thawed drumsticks and adjust the time accordingly if they are frozen.

Remember, it is important to handle leftovers safely to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands before handling food, use clean utensils, and ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly reheated before consuming.

What to serve with air-fried drumsticks

Now that you've cooked your drumsticks in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas:

Potatoes

A popular choice to accompany chicken drumsticks is potatoes. You could try air fryer baked potatoes, or potato wedges, or even potato salad. If you want to go the extra mile, you could make stuffed baked potatoes.

Vegetables

If you're looking for something a little healthier, you could try air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, or roasted or pickled beets.

Other Sides

Other side dishes that would go well with air-fried chicken drumsticks include spicy beans, French fries, rice pilaf, coleslaw, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or biscuits.

Sauces

You could also serve your drumsticks with a variety of sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.

How to get the crispiest drumsticks

Ingredients

To make the crispiest chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you will need:

• Chicken drumsticks (with the skin on)
• Olive oil (or another oil/fat of your choice)
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
• Optional: flour, baking powder, and/or corn starch for an extra crispy coating

Method

Step 1: Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush or drizzle with oil. You can also place the drumsticks in a large plastic bag with the oil and shake to coat.

Step 2: Add your chosen seasonings to the drumsticks. You can either sprinkle them on or, for a more thorough coating, mix them with the oil first. Make sure each drumstick is completely coated, including underneath the skin.

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. You may need to adjust the temperature and timing depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded or touching. You may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Air fry for around 20 minutes at 400°F, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your drumsticks and how crispy you like them.

Step 6: Check that the chicken is cooked through. You can do this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat (without touching the bone). The internal temperature should be at least 165°F, but you can cook it for longer if you want crispier skin.

Tips for Crispy Drumsticks:

• Leave the skin on. This will help to make the chicken crispy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The drumsticks need space for the air to circulate, which is what makes them crispy.
• Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help keep the meat juicy.

Frequently asked questions