Ella Walter
Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner. They are even better when cooked in an air fryer, as the skin turns out extra crispy and the inside remains moist and juicy. The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, and you can add your favourite spices and seasonings to the chicken to give it a kick. You can also coat the chicken in cornflake crumbs for an extra-crispy texture. Once cooked, the chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 380°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) |
| Preheat duration | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 380°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) |
| Cooking duration | 14-22 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165°F-185°F |
| Spices | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, brown sugar, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, chilli powder |
| Oil | Vegetable oil |
| Oil drizzle alternative | Cooking spray |
| Oil drizzle alternative | Cornflake crumbs, egg, water |
| Storage duration | 3-5 days in the refrigerator |
| Freezing duration | 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and at the right temperature. Without preheating, your chicken may not cook properly, and you may end up with unevenly cooked or even unsafe food.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 380°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). However, always refer to your specific recipe and air fryer model for the best results. Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer run for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature.
The preheating time will vary depending on your air fryer's model and specifications. Some air fryers may have a preheat setting or function, while others may not. Generally, it is recommended to preheat for at least 5 minutes. You can also use the time it takes to preheat to prepare your chicken drumsticks by patting them dry, seasoning, and coating them in oil or other ingredients, as per your recipe.
Once the preheating cycle is complete, you can proceed to place your chicken drumsticks into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out evenly and not overcrowded. Refer to your specific recipe for cooking times and any additional steps, such as flipping the drumsticks halfway through.
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Season the chicken
Seasoning the chicken drumsticks is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken is packed with flavour. The first step is to pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensure that the skin becomes crispy when cooked.
Next, you can prepare your chosen seasoning. A simple blend of salt and pepper is a good option, but you can also add smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. You can also add brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, or a large zip-top bag, and then add vegetable oil. The oil will help the spices stick to the chicken and also help to crisp the skin.
Now you can add the chicken to the bowl or bag and toss until the chicken is coated in the spiced oil. You can also try sprinkling the seasoning over the drumsticks and then tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated.
Finally, place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. The chicken is now ready to be cooked.
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Cook the chicken
Firstly, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture and ensure that the chicken skin becomes crispy. Then, place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil.
Next, prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Sprinkle the seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they are evenly coated in oil and spices. Alternatively, you can place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag, add the oil and spices, and shake until the chicken is coated.
Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they have some space around them and are not overlapping. Set the air fryer to the “air fry” setting and cook for 18-22 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through. Smaller drumsticks will take closer to 18 minutes, while larger ones will take closer to 22 minutes.
To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F, but for a more tender result, you can aim for 175°F to ensure any connective tissue breaks down. Be careful not to hit the bone with the thermometer, as this will give an inaccurate reading.
Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
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Check the temperature
Checking the temperature of your chicken drumsticks is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, it is important to invest in a good meat thermometer, preferably an instant-read one. This will be your most reliable tool to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Meat thermometers are widely available and not too expensive, so they are a worthwhile investment for anyone cooking meat regularly.
When checking the temperature of your chicken drumsticks, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as the minimum safe temperature. This temperature reading ensures that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated, making the chicken safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful to avoid the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
If you are cooking bone-in chicken drumsticks, you may want to aim for a slightly higher temperature, such as 175°F (79°C). This is because the bone can affect the cooking process, and a higher temperature will ensure that any connective tissue has broken down, making the meat more tender and juicy.
For accurate temperature readings, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer before placing the chicken inside. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and at the right temperature. Most air fryers have a preheat function, or you can simply set the temperature and wait a few minutes before adding the food.
Finally, remember to let your chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender. During this resting time, the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to rise slightly, so keep that in mind when checking the final temperature.
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Reheating and storing
Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It is not recommended to keep cooked chicken in the fridge for longer than this, as it may spoil. To freeze cooked chicken drumsticks, place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen chicken drumsticks again, remove them from the freezer and leave them to thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer until crispy. Set your air fryer to 360ºF or the recommended setting for your specific model, and cook until heated through.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 14-15 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Then, add all the dry ingredients to a large zip-top bag and shake to mix well. Add the chicken to the bag with vegetable oil and shake until the chicken is coated.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Yes, leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months.
