Air Fryer Roasted Drumsticks: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks, which are a forgiving meat that can be seasoned however you like. The circulating air in the fryer cooks the chicken legs evenly, resulting in a succulent, crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. Depending on the size of the drumsticks and the desired level of crispiness, they should be cooked in the air fryer for around 20-30 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping them halfway through.

How to season drumsticks before air frying

To make delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you'll want to season them before cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Firstly, take the chicken drumsticks out of the refrigerator and let them come up to room temperature. You'll want to use chicken drumsticks with the skin on, as this will help achieve a crispier texture. If your drumsticks are of different sizes, try to pick out ones that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Pat the Drumsticks Dry

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that your drumsticks will turn out extra crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and mix them well. You can use a simple blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar (or a substitute). Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with other spices like chili powder, ground black pepper, dried oregano, or even taco or ranch seasoning.

Step 4: Coat the Drumsticks

Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil (or another oil/fat of your choice). Then, using your hands, generously coat each drumstick with the spice mixture, making sure to get underneath the skin as well. Rub the spices in well so that each drumstick is completely covered.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned drumsticks into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Leave some space between each drumstick to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Tips for Perfectly Seasoned Drumsticks:

• Be generous with the seasoning to ensure maximum flavour.
• Premix your seasoning blend in a bowl before applying to ensure even distribution of flavours.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary.
• Know your air fryer. Some models may not require preheating, and cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
• For extra crispiness, consider adding a secret ingredient like baking powder to your spice blend.

Now that your drumsticks are seasoned and ready to go, you can follow the cooking instructions for your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and perfectly-seasoned chicken drumsticks!

How long to cook drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken drumsticks, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy. The length of time it takes to cook drumsticks in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the size of the drumsticks, the temperature of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness.

On average, it takes around 20-30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the specific air fryer being used.

It is generally recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. However, some air fryers have 360° air circulation, which eliminates the need to flip the drumsticks. If your air fryer has this feature, you can simply place the drumsticks in the basket or tray and let them cook without flipping.

To ensure that the drumsticks are fully cooked, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed, making the chicken safe to eat.

Tips for cooking drumsticks in an air fryer:

• Use drumsticks that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
• Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning to remove excess moisture and promote crispiness.
• Be generous with the seasoning to ensure a flavorful crust.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray to allow for proper air circulation.
• Know your air fryer and adjust the temperature and timing as needed.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks to ensure they are fully cooked.

The best temperature to cook drumsticks in an air fryer

The optimal temperature to cook drumsticks in an air fryer is between 380°F and 400°F (around 200°C). At this temperature, the chicken drumsticks will cook through in about 20 minutes, depending on their size.

Pre-Cooking Preparation

Before cooking, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and place them in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your choice of seasonings and olive oil. Add the olive oil to the chicken bowl and sprinkle with the seasonings, tossing until the chicken is fully coated.

Cooking

Place the chicken legs, skin side down, in the basket of the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the drumsticks and continue to cook for another 7-10 minutes. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips

• It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken to help achieve a crispy texture.
• If you plan to sauce your drumsticks, it is best to do so after they have been cooked and crisped.
• Avoid opening the air fryer to check the temperature too often, as this will cause heat to escape. Instead, use a digital thermometer to check the temperature when you open the air fryer to flip the chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space out the chicken drumsticks to allow for even cooking and optimal crispness.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This recipe is highly customizable, and you can experiment with different spices and sauces to find your perfect combination. The chicken drumsticks can be served with various sides, such as beans, corn casserole, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or a salad.

Whether to use frozen or fresh chicken drumsticks

When it comes to choosing between fresh or frozen chicken drumsticks for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you're short on time and need to get dinner on the table quickly, using frozen chicken drumsticks can be a great option as you don't have to wait for them to thaw. In this case, it's recommended to air fry the chicken for a few minutes without seasoning to deglaze the ice, so that the seasoning can better penetrate and adhere to the surface.

On the other hand, if you have the time to plan ahead, using fresh chicken drumsticks can result in more juicy and tender meat. This is because fresh chicken has a higher moisture content than frozen chicken, which can lead to a more succulent end product.

Another thing to consider is food safety. Frozen chicken can sometimes harbour harmful bacteria, so it's important to handle it properly during the thawing process to prevent foodborne illnesses. Fresh chicken, on the other hand, may have a shorter shelf life and needs to be cooked or frozen within a few days of purchase.

In terms of taste and texture, both options can yield delicious results when prepared correctly. Fresh chicken drumsticks may have a slight edge when it comes to juiciness, but properly cooked frozen chicken can be just as tasty and tender. Ultimately, the decision between using frozen or fresh chicken drumsticks in your air fryer comes down to personal preference, time constraints, and the specific recipe you're following.

How to store leftover chicken drumsticks

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick and convenient meal to make, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here's a guide on how to store leftover chicken drumsticks to keep them safe and tasty.

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container or sealed in a food-grade plastic bag in the refrigerator. Make sure to put them in the fridge within two hours of cooking, as bacteria can multiply quickly when the meat is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Label the container or bag with the date, so you know how long they've been stored. They should be safe to eat for up to four days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to keep your chicken drumsticks for longer, you can freeze them. Put them in a ziplock bag and they will last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

When you're ready to eat your leftover chicken drumsticks, you can reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or put them back in the air fryer until they're crispy again.

Food Safety

It's important to practice good food safety when storing and reheating chicken drumsticks. Spoiled chicken may have a foul, acidic odour, or look slimy, grey, or green. If you're not sure, it's best to throw it out. Bacteria can still be present even if the chicken looks, smells, and tastes the same.

Leftover Ideas

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

• Pick the meat off the bones and use it in a new recipe.
• Make chicken salad, nachos, wraps, quesadillas, soup, or stir fry.
• Add the chicken to pizza, pasta, tacos, or wraps.

Frequently asked questions