Air-Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Marinade Timing For Best Results

Chicken drumsticks are a forgiving meat to cook in an air fryer. The timing depends on the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 20 minutes in the air fryer, rotating occasionally for even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F or 75°C.

Marinating the chicken drumsticks

The key to getting juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken drumsticks is to let them marinate for a while. You can use a plastic bag or a bowl for this step.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks (fresh or thawed)
• Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any oil you prefer
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Cumin (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Ground mustard (optional)

Steps

• Combine the herbs and spices in a small bowl and set aside.
• Place the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
• Sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over the drumsticks, making sure they are well coated.
• Let the drumsticks chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips

• If you have the time, letting the chicken marinate for longer will infuse more flavour into the meat.
• You can also add some lemon juice to the marinade for a tangy twist.
• Make sure to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel before adding the marinade. This will help ensure a crispy skin.

Preheating the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, make sure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. Remove any leftover food particles or residue from previous cooking sessions. Check that the air fryer basket is empty and dry.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

Set the temperature of your air fryer to the desired level. Many recipes for chicken drumsticks recommend preheating the air fryer to around 380-400°F (190-200°C). However, you should always refer to your specific recipe for the optimal temperature. Adjust the temperature settings on your air fryer accordingly.

Step 3: Allow Time for Preheating

Give your air fryer a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. Depending on the model and size of your air fryer, this process can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. Refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Step 4: Monitor the Temperature

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge or indicator light on your air fryer, if available. Wait until the air fryer reaches the set temperature. Some air fryers will beep or give a visual alert when they are preheated. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, use a kitchen timer to keep track of the preheating time.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your chicken drumsticks. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps ensure crispy skin. You can also use this time to season or marinate your chicken according to your recipe instructions.

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your chicken drumsticks. It ensures that your chicken will cook evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to creating delicious air-fried chicken drumsticks.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for marinated chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will depend on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer. It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, and the best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer before adding the chicken. The preheating temperature can vary from 380°F to 400°F, and the cooking time will be around 18 to 25 minutes. It's important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the chicken drumsticks for a total of 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another recipe recommends a preheat temperature of 390°F and a cooking time of 25 minutes, also flipping the drumsticks at the halfway point.

It's worth noting that if you are using bone-in chicken legs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Additionally, if your chicken drumsticks are on the smaller side, they may require less time in the air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Some recipes also suggest brushing the chicken with the remaining marinade or adding sauce during the cooking process. However, it's important to note that adding sauce too early can make the chicken flabby. It's best to wait until the chicken is almost cooked and has developed a crispy skin before adding any sauce.

You can also make crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks by cooking the chicken as instructed and then brushing them with BBQ sauce and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Overall, the cooking time and temperature for marinated chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will depend on various factors, but the most important factor is ensuring that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

Flipping the drumsticks

When flipping the drumsticks, it is important to use tongs or a spatula to handle them carefully. You don't want to pierce the meat and release the juices, as this will affect the flavour and moisture of the chicken. Simply take hold of the drumstick and turn it over gently, ensuring that it doesn't touch the other drumsticks in the air fryer.

Some recipes suggest brushing the chicken with oil or marinade after flipping, to ensure that the meat remains moist and to add extra flavour. This is a good opportunity to check that the drumsticks are not sticking to the air fryer basket. If they are, you can gently loosen them with a spatula before returning the basket to the air fryer to continue cooking.

It's worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This is important because you want the hot air to circulate evenly around each drumstick, ensuring they cook thoroughly and develop that crispy skin. If you are cooking a large batch of drumsticks, you may need to flip and cook them in several batches to achieve the best results.

Finally, while it is important to flip the drumsticks during cooking, you should also avoid opening the air fryer basket too often. Each time you open the basket, hot air escapes, which can affect the cooking time and temperature. So, try to be patient and only open the basket when it's time to flip the drumsticks or to check their progress with a meat thermometer.

Saucing the drumsticks

There are two ways to sauce your chicken drumsticks. The first is to cook the chicken first, getting a crispy, crunchy skin, and then toss it in the sauce. The second is to crisp the chicken, toss it in the sauce, and continue cooking in the air fryer to build a "crust" of the sauce as the chicken cooks.

Do not add the sauce early, as it will prevent the chicken skin from crisping. If you want to add sauce to your drumsticks, wait until they have cooked and crisped to toss them in the sauce.

You can also add sauce to your drumsticks in the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Some sauces you can use are BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, hot sauce, or marinade.

Frequently asked questions