Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: The Perfect Quick-Cooking Method

Chicken drumsticks are a great option for a quick and easy meal. You can cook them in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, and they're delicious served with your favourite sides. In this article, we'll take you through the simple steps to achieve crispy, juicy air-fried chicken drumsticks.

How to season chicken drumsticks for the air fryer

To season chicken drumsticks for the air fryer, pat the drumsticks dry and then toss them through a spice mix. You can add any spices you like, but make sure they are well mixed. Drizzle the drumsticks with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded and have some space and air around them.

You can then cook the drumsticks for around 10 minutes at 380 °F (180 °C) or 200 °C (390 °F), before flipping and cooking for another 7-9 minutes or until cooked through. The chicken should read 165 °F on a meat thermometer. Alternatively, you can cook the drumsticks for 12 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175 °F.

If you are adding hot sauce to the drumsticks, do this after air frying. You can also make BBQ drumsticks by cooking the chicken as instructed above for 20 minutes, then brushing with BBQ sauce and cooking for another 5 minutes.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the temperature you set your air fryer to, but generally, chicken drumsticks will take between 18 and 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Firstly, make sure your chicken drumsticks are dry. Then, season them with your chosen spices and drizzle with oil. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded and that there is space for air to circulate around them.

Now you're ready to start cooking. If you're cooking at a higher temperature, such as 380 °F (180 °C), your drumsticks will take around 18 minutes to cook. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 7 to 9 minutes, or until cooked through. If you're cooking at 200 °C (390 °F), your drumsticks will take a little longer, around 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

Check that your chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165-175 °F. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to reheat chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

To reheat chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook until crispy. You can reheat from frozen or chilled.

If reheating from frozen, place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap and that there is enough room for the air to circulate. Reheat at 200°C (390°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If reheating from chilled, place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space and air around them. Spray the drumsticks with a bit of oil. Reheat at 380 °F (180 °C) for 10 minutes, then flip and reheat for another 7-9 minutes until cooked through. The chicken should read 165 °F on a meat thermometer.

Allow the chicken to rest under foil for 3-5 minutes before serving.

How to store chicken drumsticks after cooking in the air fryer

Once you've cooked your chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store your cooked chicken drumsticks:

Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool: After cooking, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack or a plate. Allow them to cool down to room temperature. This step is important as it helps prevent bacterial growth.

Store in an airtight container: Once the drumsticks have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and help keep the drumsticks crisp.

Refrigerate: Place the airtight container with the chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator. Store them in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back or bottom shelf. Consume the drumsticks within 3-4 days.

Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store the chicken drumsticks for longer, you can freeze them. Place the drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container and label them with the date. Frozen chicken drumsticks can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your chicken drumsticks again, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven until crispy and heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Always ensure the chicken is heated to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F or 74 °C.

By following these steps, you can safely store and enjoy your air-fried chicken drumsticks for several days or even months if frozen. Proper storage ensures the drumsticks remain tasty and safe to eat, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

How to check if chicken drumsticks are cooked in the air fryer

To check if chicken drumsticks are cooked in the air fryer, you should use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165-175°F. If the chicken has reached this temperature, it is safe to eat.

To check the temperature, remove the chicken from the air fryer and insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. Make sure you are not touching any bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also check if the chicken is cooked by cutting into the thickest part of the drumstick. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs to be cooked further.

It is important to note that chicken should always be cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness. Do not consume undercooked chicken.

Frequently asked questions