Emilie Meyer
Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick and easy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes and are a perfect option for a busy weeknight. The air fryer helps to get hot air to circulate around the chicken drumstick, giving it a fried texture and taste. This introduction will cover the process of cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, including pre-cooking preparation, cooking time and temperature, and post-cooking storage and reheating.
How to cook chicken drummies in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat air fryer | 200C/400F or 380 °F (180 °C) or 360ºF |
| Pat dry the chicken | Use paper towels to remove excess moisture |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Air fryer basket | Place chicken in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap |
| Cook time | 10 minutes, flip, then another 6-8 minutes or 10 minutes, flip, then another 10 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165°F or 175°F |
| Rest | 3-5 minutes |
| Reheat | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the air fryer until crispy |
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$10.86 $14.94
What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drummies cook evenly and thoroughly from the very start. The ideal temperature for your air fryer to reach is between 380°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C).
To achieve this, turn on your air fryer and let it run for a few minutes before adding your chicken. This will ensure that the air fryer basket is hot and ready to go when you place your chicken inside. The preheating process should only take a few minutes, but it is a crucial step to achieving that desirable crispy "fried" texture on your chicken.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken drummies. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is key to achieving crispy skin. You can also brush or drizzle the chicken with olive oil, which will help your seasoning stick and create an even crispier exterior.
Once your chicken is prepared and your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can then place your chicken drummies into the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space around them for the hot air to circulate. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.
By preheating your air fryer, you are creating the optimal environment for cooking your chicken drummies, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy and juicy every time.
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Season the chicken
To make juicy and crispy chicken drummies in an air fryer, seasoning the chicken is a crucial step. Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels or a cloth. Removing the excess moisture from the chicken is essential for achieving that crispy skin.
Next, prepare the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine your choice of spices. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even brown sugar. Mix the spices well, and feel free to add more or less of each spice to suit your taste preferences. You can also add olive oil to the spice mix or brush it onto the chicken drumsticks separately. The oil helps the rub stick to the chicken and enhances that golden, crispy exterior.
Once the spice rub is ready, generously sprinkle it all over the chicken drumsticks. Ensure every bit of skin is coated with the spice rub for maximum flavour. You can use your hands to rub the spices onto the chicken or toss the drumsticks in the spice mix. After seasoning, the chicken drumsticks are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket.
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Cook the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). If you want the skin to puff up, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help to make the skin crispy. Then, brush or drizzle each drumstick with olive oil on all sides. The oil will help the rub to stick and create a crispy, golden exterior.
Now, sprinkle a spice rub generously all over the chicken, ensuring that every bit of skin is coated. You can make your own spice rub by mixing together spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they have a little space so that hot air can circulate properly. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then pull out the basket and flip the drumsticks over. This will ensure that they cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
Place the drumsticks back in the air fryer and cook for another 6–10 minutes, or until the skin is golden. If you want extra crispy skin, let them cook for another 5 minutes or so, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Check that the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F.
Let the chicken rest under foil for 3–5 minutes before serving.
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Reheat and store
To store your chicken drummies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 4 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your chicken drummies again, make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can either use the air fryer or the oven. For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F to 360ºF (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also simply microwave the chicken drummies for 20 to 30 seconds for a quicker reheat.
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Customise with herbs and sauces
Customising your chicken drummies with herbs and sauces is a great way to make this dish your own. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Herbs
When it comes to herbs, you can use fresh or dried herbs of your choice. You can mix and match to create your own blend, or you can use a store-bought Italian seasoning mix. Some common herbs that pair well with chicken include rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley. You can also try more exotic herbs like tarragon, sage, or chives to add a unique twist. Simply sprinkle the herbs of your choice over the chicken before cooking, or mix them into your spice blend.
Sauces
Saucing your chicken drummies can take them to the next level. You can add the sauce before or after cooking, depending on the desired result. For a crunchy "crust", layer on the sauce before cooking. Barbecue sauce is a classic option, but you can also experiment with other sauces like honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki sauce. If you prefer a glossier finish, add the sauce after the chicken is cooked and crisped. For a simple yet effective option, try drizzling the cooked chicken with a generous amount of melted butter.
Marinades
Another way to customise your chicken drummies is by marinating them before cooking. Marinades can add a ton of flavour and keep the chicken moist during cooking. Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a refreshing Mediterranean twist. You can also experiment with different combinations of oils, acids (like vinegar or citrus juice), and spices to find your favourite marinade.
Remember, this dish is all about customisation, so don't be afraid to get creative and try out new combinations of herbs, sauces, and marinades until you find your perfect flavour profile!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook chicken drummies in an air fryer for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 7-9 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F (180 °C) or 380°F (193°C).
The chicken drummies are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
You can season the chicken drummies with a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices in a small bowl and then drizzle oil over the chicken before tossing them in the spice mixture.
Leftover chicken drummies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
