Cody Casey
Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick, tasty meal. Air frying is a convenient, healthy way to cook them, and it's easy to get that fried taste and texture without the oil. You can use a variety of seasonings and sauces to make juicy, tender, and crispy chicken drumsticks that are perfect for any occasion.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes, to 200C/400F or 390°F (200°C) |
| Pat Dry | Use paper towels to remove excess moisture |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar |
| Oil | Olive oil, vegetable oil, or any oil to make it crispy |
| Basket arrangement | Single layer, no overcrowding, ensure space and air around drumsticks |
| Air Fry Time | 10 minutes at 380 °F (180 °C) or 390°F (200°C), then flip and fry for 7-9 minutes or 6-8 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F or 175°F |
| Rest | 3-5 minutes under foil |
| Store | Airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days |
| Freeze | Ziplock bag for up to 3-4 months |
| Reheat | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fryer until crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and spices
A simple seasoning blend for air fryer chicken drumsticks includes smoked paprika, chilli powder, ground black pepper, and salt. For added flavour, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder can be included. These spices provide a savoury and slightly spicy flavour profile. Additionally, a sprinkle of brown sugar can add a touch of caramelisation and sweetness to the chicken.
When preparing the seasoning, combine the spices in a small bowl and mix well. Then, place the chicken drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with oil. The oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and also contributes to the crispness of the skin. After coating the chicken with oil, sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the drumsticks and toss until they are fully coated.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper can be added to the spice mix. Alternatively, for a more subtle flavour, dried herbs such as oregano or thyme can be used in place of some of the spices. It is also possible to marinate the chicken drumsticks before cooking. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can infuse additional flavour and moisture into the meat.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken drumsticks depend on the size of the drumsticks, the number of drumsticks being cooked, and the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken drumsticks, although some sources say this is not necessary.
For four to six drumsticks, a cooking time of 20 to 25 minutes at 200°C (390°F) is suggested, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. For a crispier texture, a higher temperature of 380°F (180-200°C) can be used for an initial 10 minutes, followed by 7 to 9 minutes at the same temperature after flipping.
For a single layer of drumsticks, a cooking time of 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, is recommended. This can be extended to 12 minutes on the first side and 10 minutes on the second side for a total of 22 minutes. The chicken drumsticks are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, although bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F.
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Marinating the chicken
To begin the marinating process, you will need to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture from the surface of the meat, allowing the marinade to adhere better and promoting a crispier skin when cooked.
Once the chicken is dry, you can prepare a simple marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs of your choice in a small bowl. You can also add spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder to the marinade for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients well, creating a flavourful blend.
After preparing the marinade, place the chicken drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the drumsticks in the marinade until they are fully coated. Make sure that the marinade covers all surfaces of the chicken evenly. You can use your hands or a brush to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed.
Finally, let the chicken drumsticks sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more intense the flavour will be. For the best results, you can even prepare the chicken and marinade the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This extended marination time will ensure the flavours really penetrate the meat.
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Using the air fryer basket
When you're ready to cook your chicken drumsticks, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. It's important to give them enough space so that the hot air can circulate around them. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you might need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
Before placing the chicken in the basket, it's a good idea to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure that the skin gets nice and crispy. You can also season the drumsticks with a variety of spices, such as paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and drizzle them with oil to add flavour and crispness.
Once the drumsticks are in the basket, you can preheat the air fryer if you prefer, although it's not necessary. Preheating can help the skin puff up and get crispier, but it's up to you. Set the air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it run for a few minutes to preheat.
After preheating, place the basket in the air fryer and cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for another 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The total cooking time should be around 17 to 20 minutes. You can also check the doneness by using a meat thermometer—the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Reheating and storing
You can store leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. To freeze cooked chicken drumsticks, place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to three to four months.
To reheat, you can either microwave the drumsticks for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer until crispy.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20-30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Some recipes suggest cooking for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, whereas others suggest cooking for 10 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for another 7-9 minutes.
You should air fry chicken drumsticks at 380-400°F (180-200°C).
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but some sources suggest cooking it to 175°F for more tender and juicy meat.
