Air-Frying Drumsticks: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks, yielding a crispy exterior and juicy meat. The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer depends on the desired crispiness, the size of the drumsticks, and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 20-30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at temperatures between 380-400°F (190-200°C). It is recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C) should be reached to ensure food safety.

How to season drumsticks for the air fryer

Prepare the chicken drumsticks:

Place 4-6 chicken drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl. You can use either fresh or frozen drumsticks, but make sure to thaw them completely if they are frozen. It is recommended to use drumsticks with the skin on, as it creates a crispy texture.

Pat the chicken dry:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken legs dry. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensures a crisp skin after air frying.

Prepare the seasoning:

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder. For a simple option, you can use just smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt.

Add oil to the chicken:

Drizzle olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil over the chicken drumsticks. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the meat and enhance the crispness of the skin.

Apply the seasoning:

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring that they are well coated. You can use your hands or tongs to toss the drumsticks in the bowl until they are fully covered in the seasoning.

Place the drumsticks in the air fryer:

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the drumsticks are not overcrowded and are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.

Cook the drumsticks:

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius). Cook the drumsticks for about 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of drumsticks, so it is important to monitor them closely.

Check the doneness:

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, you can use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it's not touching the bone. The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Let the chicken rest:

Once the drumsticks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more tender meat.

You can serve these air fryer drumsticks with a variety of sides, such as baked potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or fries. Enjoy!

How long to cook drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy meal to make for the whole family. They're also versatile, as you can season them however you like.

This depends on the type of air fryer you have, the size of your drumsticks, and how crispy you like them. Drumsticks should be cooked for anywhere between 14 to 30 minutes at 380°F to 400°F. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Whether or not you need to flip your drumsticks depends on the make and model of your air fryer. Most of the time, you will need to flip the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, some air fryers have 360° air circulation, meaning you won't need to flip them.

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

How to know when drumsticks are cooked

When cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it's important to ensure they are thoroughly cooked before serving. Here are some detailed instructions on how to know when your drumsticks are cooked just right:

Check the Colour of the Meat

Check to see if the meat is no longer pink. While this method may not be entirely accurate, as fully cooked chicken can sometimes exhibit a pinkish hue, it can still be a helpful initial indicator.

Pierce the Meat

Take a knife and pierce the meat to the bone. If the juices run clear, this is a good sign that your drumsticks are cooked. However, it's worth noting that cooked chicken can sometimes have reddish juices, so this method may not be foolproof.

Check the Tendons

Observe the tendons of the drumsticks. When the drumsticks are done, the tendons should shrink and pull away from the ankle, exposing a bit of bone.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, ensuring it doesn't touch the bone. Your chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Cooking Time and Temperature

As a guide, cook your drumsticks in the air fryer at 380°F to 390°F (190°C to 200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the drumsticks, so it's always a good idea to check with a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked thoroughly.

How to store leftover drumsticks

Once you've cooked your drumsticks to perfection, you'll want to make sure any leftovers are stored correctly to keep them tasty and safe to eat. Here's a guide on how to store leftover drumsticks:

Storing Leftover Drumsticks:

• Cooling: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature after cooking. Storing them while they are still hot can create steam, fostering bacterial growth.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store the drumsticks. Wrap the drumsticks securely in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in resealable bags.
• Refrigeration: Keep the drumsticks in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days when properly stored.
• Freezing: If you want to store the drumsticks for longer, consider freezing them. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
• Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen drumsticks, thaw them in the refrigerator. This is the safest method to ensure bacteria don't thrive as the food defrosts.
• Reheating: You can reheat the drumsticks in the microwave or air fryer. Ensure they are heated thoroughly to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are safe to eat.

Creative Uses for Leftover Drumsticks:

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to use your leftover drumsticks, here are some tasty ideas:

• Pick the Meat: Remove the meat from the bones and use it in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, tacos, fajitas, chicken salads, pasta salads, soups, or hash.
• Chicken Nachos: Create a delicious plate of chicken nachos, with or without barbecue sauce.
• Buffalo Ranch Wraps: Add a tangy kick to your leftover chicken by making buffalo ranch wraps.
• Quesadillas: Try making chicken and "cheese" quesadillas for a quick and easy meal.
• Soups: Leftover drumsticks are perfect for making chicken and rice soup or chicken noodle soup.
• Pizza: Why not create a BBQ chicken pizza? It's a fun way to use your leftovers.
• Curried Chicken Salad: Debone the drumsticks, chop the meat, and mix it with a curry-mayo dressing, lime juice, black pepper, and green grapes. Serve it on a bed of lettuce with toasted pecans for a crunchy finish.

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to storing and using your leftover drumsticks. Enjoy your air-fried treats for days to come, and get creative with your culinary adventures.

What to serve with air fryer drumsticks

Air fryer drumsticks are a quick and easy meal, ready in under 25 minutes. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as Ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Here are some side dish suggestions to serve with air fryer drumsticks:

• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer twice-baked potatoes
• Beans
• Corn Casserole
• Brussel sprouts
• Potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Funeral potatoes
• Stuffed baked potatoes
• Japanese potato salad
• 2-ingredient biscuits
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• The best-ever oven-baked fries
• Middle Eastern Batata Harra
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes

Frequently asked questions