Ella Walter
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and inexpensive meal option that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Air frying is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook chicken drumsticks, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This method also frees up your oven for preparing side dishes such as potatoes or vegetables. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer oven, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
How to cook drumsticks in an air fryer oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 400ºF |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper |
| Internal temperature | 165ºF |
| Resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer chicken drumsticks seasoning
Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to cook. The circulating air in the fryer ensures even cooking without over-charring the outside, and the skin gets a tad bit crispy.
Seasoning Ideas
There are many seasoning options to choose from when preparing your chicken drumsticks. Here are some ideas:
- Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute).
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper.
- Cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
- Cajun seasoning (add salt and pepper to taste).
- Taco or ranch seasoning.
Steps for Preparation
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks.
- Place the drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle oil over them.
- Sprinkle the seasonings of your choice over the drumsticks.
- Toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated in oil and spices.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space and air around them and are not overlapping.
- Air fry at 380 °F (180 °C) or 400 °F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the drumsticks and air fry for another 7-9 minutes or until cooked through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165 °F (or 175 °F if you prefer a higher temperature).
- Let the chicken rest under foil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Storage
Leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat in the air fryer until heated through.
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How to store and reheat chicken drumsticks
Storing Chicken Drumsticks:
If you have cooked chicken drumsticks and want to store them for later, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days.
Reheating Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. You can line the baking sheet with foil and spray it with a little oil to prevent sticking. If you want crispy skin, leave the chicken uncovered. For moister chicken, wrap them in foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Reheating Chicken Drumsticks in the Microwave:
Place the chicken drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate or dish. For more even heating, arrange smaller pieces towards the centre and larger pieces towards the edges. Cover the plate loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and a teaspoon of water over the chicken. You can also use water and salsa or chicken broth for extra flavour. Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap or invert a bowl over the plate. Microwave for 2-4 minutes, checking and rotating the drumsticks every minute or so to promote even cooking. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Reheating Chicken Drumsticks in an Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
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Chicken drumsticks cooking time and temperature
Chicken drumsticks can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The exact cooking time and temperature depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of drumsticks you are cooking.
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 400ºF.
When cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they have some space and air around them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
The cooking time for chicken drumsticks in an air fryer can range from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks and the desired level of doneness. It is generally recommended to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 380 °F (180 °C), and then flip and cook for an additional 7 to 9 minutes. This will result in chicken that is cooked through and has a crispy skin.
It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks should reach 165°F to be safe to eat, but if you are cooking bone-in dark meat, it is best to cook it to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has broken down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.
To check the doneness of the chicken drumsticks, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure to avoid the bone as it can give an inaccurate reading.
Once the chicken drumsticks have reached the desired internal temperature, it is recommended to let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier and more flavorful meat.
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Chicken drumsticks cooking methods
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and inexpensive meal option that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, and air frying. Here is a detailed guide on some of the most popular cooking methods for chicken drumsticks, with a focus on air fryer oven cooking:
Air Frying Chicken Drumsticks:
Air frying is a convenient, modern way to cook chicken drumsticks, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy exterior. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect air-fried chicken drumsticks:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (180-200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the right temperature for your food.
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with a paper towel.
- Create a seasoning mix: Combine smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. The oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the drumsticks and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer with some space around them. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect cooking evenness and crispiness.
- Cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your desired doneness.
- Check the doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), but you can cook them to a higher temperature (175°F or 79°C) for extra tenderness.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest under foil for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and ensures the meat is extra juicy.
- Serve with your favorite sides and sauces. Air-fried chicken drumsticks go well with potatoes, vegetables, or salads.
Baking Chicken Drumsticks:
If you don't have access to an air fryer, baking is a traditional and effective way to cook chicken drumsticks. Here is a simplified method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry and seasoning them as desired.
- Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For bone-in chicken legs, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Check the doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
Grilling Chicken Drumsticks:
Grilling is another popular option for cooking chicken drumsticks, especially during outdoor gatherings or when you want to add a smoky flavor. Here is a basic outline:
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry and coating them with a marinade or seasoning blend.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the drumsticks on the grill, leaving some space between them.
- Grill the drumsticks for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Adjust the grilling time based on your desired doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, salads, or any desired sides.
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Chicken drumsticks serving suggestions
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer oven:
Side Dishes
Chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of side dishes, including:
- Beans
- Corn Casserole
- Brussel Sprouts
- Potatoes (mashed or jacket)
- Broccoli
- Rice
- Pasta
- Slaw
- Corn on the cob
- Kidney beans
- Green salad
Marinades and Glazes
You can also try marinating the chicken drumsticks in different sauces or glazes, such as:
- Thai red curry paste and sweet chilli
- Soy and honey
- Barbecue sauce
- Spicy mango
- Mustard and parmesan
Meal Ideas
Chicken drumsticks can be served as part of a larger meal, such as:
- Indian feast with turmeric and cashews
- Sweet and hot curry with kidney beans and vegetables
- One-pan piri piri chicken with chilli
- Chicken thighs with a rich yoghurt sauce
Seasonings
Don't forget to season your chicken drumsticks! You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as:
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Brown sugar
- Lemon pepper
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer oven. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (180°C) and cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and cook for another 7-9 minutes.
Set your air fryer oven to 380°F (180°C) to cook chicken drumsticks. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F when it is safe to eat.
Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can also be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
