Ella Walter
Chicken drumsticks are a great, inexpensive option for a quick, easy, and delicious 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 is perfect for cooking chicken drumsticks, as it makes the outside crispy and the inside juicy and tender. The air fryer also means you don't have to use your oven, keeping your kitchen cool during the hot summer 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.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature and giving it enough time to heat up. Most recipes recommend preheating to 380°F (180°C) or 400°F (200°C). However, you should consult your specific air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal preheating temperature and time.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the final product. You can also use this time to season the chicken or prepare any other ingredients you plan to cook with the drumsticks.
Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can move on to the next step of placing the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space around each drumstick to allow for even cooking.
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Season the chicken
Seasoning your chicken drumsticks is a crucial step in ensuring they are packed full of flavour. The first step is to pat your chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture and ensure that the seasoning sticks to the chicken. Next, take a small bowl and add all your chosen spices and mix them well. You can use a blend of brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, you could use a combination of baking powder, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
Once you have chosen and mixed your spices, the next step is to coat the chicken. Place your chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle oil over the top. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasoning over the drumsticks and toss them in the bowl until they are evenly coated in oil and spices. You can also add the chicken to a large zip-top bag with the oil and seasoning, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is coated.
Finally, place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that no pieces overlap and that there is space and air around them. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
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Cook the chicken
To cook the chicken, start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Then, create a seasoning mix. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and ground mustard can be used, but feel free to experiment with other spices and seasonings. You can also add vegetable oil or olive oil to the mix. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag, pour the seasoning mix over them, and toss or shake until they are evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each drumstick to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The crispy, juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks are now ready to be enjoyed!
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Check the internal temperature
Checking the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and safely. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses.
To check the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring that you avoid touching the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading. The ideal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F, but if you're cooking bone-in dark meat, you may want to aim for a slightly higher temperature of around 175°F to ensure the meat is extra tender and juicy.
It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature settings mentioned in the previous paragraphs are just guidelines. The actual cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of drumsticks you're cooking, as well as the size and model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Additionally, if you don't have a meat thermometer, there are other signs you can look out for to determine if your chicken drumsticks are cooked through. Firstly, make sure that the juices run clear when you pierce the meat with a knife or fork. You can also check if the meat is opaque all the way through, with no signs of pink or blood. However, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
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Store leftovers
Storing your leftover chicken drumsticks properly is important to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store, reheat, and freeze your cooked chicken drumsticks:
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the cooked chicken drumsticks to cool down to room temperature.
- Place the leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
- Store the airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume the leftovers within 3-5 days. Do not keep them for longer, as food safety may be compromised.
Reheating Leftovers:
- You can reheat the leftover chicken drumsticks in the air fryer or in the microwave.
- If using the air fryer, preheat it to 360ºF (or the recommended setting for your specific air fryer model).
- Place the leftover drumsticks in the air fryer and heat them until they are heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers for 20-30 seconds until they are heated through.
Freezing Leftovers:
- If you have a large batch of leftovers or won't be consuming them within the next few days, consider freezing them.
- Place the leftover chicken drumsticks in a ziplock bag or a freezer-safe container.
- Label the bag or container with the date of freezing.
- Store the chicken drumsticks in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and consuming.
Remember to practice food safety and always ensure your leftovers are properly stored and reheated to maintain their freshness and quality.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 14-30 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F-400°F.
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
