Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: The Perfect Quick Meal

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Requiring minimal prep and very little clean-up, they're a convenient option for a busy weeknight dinner.

This recipe uses a simple blend of seasonings to create juicy meat with a crispy skin—a perfect combination. The air fryer's circulating air ensures even cooking, and the contained space means no mess!

You can also customise the seasonings to your taste, making this a versatile dish.

Choosing your chicken drumsticks

When it comes to quantity, most air fryers can fit 4-6 drumsticks at once, but this will depend on the size of your air fryer, so be sure not to overcrowd it. You want to ensure the drumsticks are not touching each other when placed in the air fryer basket.

You can usually find packs of chicken drumsticks in the meat section of your grocery store, near the other chicken parts. It's worth noting that chicken legs are often one of the cheapest meats you can buy, so this meal is not only delicious but also budget-friendly!

Preparing your chicken drumsticks

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools:

Start by gathering all the ingredients you need, including chicken drumsticks, seasonings, and oil. You'll also need an air fryer, paper towels, a medium-sized bowl, a small bowl, and a meat thermometer.

Prepare the Chicken:

Take your chicken drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure a crispier skin. Place the dried drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl.

Create the Seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, or cayenne pepper. Mix the spices well.

Coat the Chicken:

Add some olive oil or vegetable oil to the bowl with the chicken drumsticks. Drizzle the oil over the drumsticks and toss them until they are fully coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled chicken and toss again until the drumsticks are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-200°C). Check your specific air fryer model's instructions for the best results.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded and that they have some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.

Now that your chicken drumsticks are prepared, you can move on to the cooking process. Simply follow the timing and temperature guidelines provided by your chosen recipe for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken drumsticks!

Seasoning your chicken drumsticks

Choose Your Seasonings:

The right combination of seasonings can elevate the taste of your chicken drumsticks. Some popular options include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and dry mustard powder. Feel free to experiment with different spices to find your favourite blend.

Prepare the Chicken:

Before seasoning, it's important to pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the surface and promotes even cooking. Place the dried drumsticks in a medium-sized bowl.

Create a Spice Mix:

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. Mix them well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can adjust the quantities of each seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Add Oil:

Drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken drumsticks. Oil helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes the development of a crispy skin. Use your hands or tongs to coat the drumsticks evenly with oil.

Apply the Seasonings:

Sprinkle the spice mix generously over the oiled chicken drumsticks. Toss and turn the drumsticks in the bowl until they are fully coated with the seasonings. Ensure that the spices are distributed evenly across all surfaces of the meat.

Marinate (Optional):

While this step is optional, marinating the seasoned drumsticks can enhance the flavour and juiciness of the meat. Place the seasoned drumsticks in a large zip-top bag, add a tablespoon of oil, and shake well to coat. Refrigerate the drumsticks for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Finalize and Cook:

Once the drumsticks are seasoned (or marinated), they are ready for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen air fryer recipe for the best results.

Cooking your chicken drumsticks

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to cook your chicken drumsticks. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken drumsticks

Pat the chicken legs with a paper towel to dry. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Season the chicken

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the spices and seasoning: paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. You can also add a little olive oil to this mixture.

Step 3: Combine the chicken and seasoning

Add the olive oil to the bowl of chicken, then sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Toss the chicken until it is fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the chicken in the air fryer

Place the chicken legs, skin side down, in the basket of the air fryer. No need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. Set the temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Flip the chicken

After the initial 10 minutes, flip the chicken drumsticks and continue cooking. The total cooking time will be between 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken drumsticks. For smaller drumsticks, 18 minutes should be enough, while larger ones might need up to 25 minutes.

Step 6: Check the internal temperature

To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the drumstick, without touching the bone. If it hasn't reached this temperature, cook for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Let the chicken rest

Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender.

Your air fryer chicken drumsticks are now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior.

Serving your chicken drumsticks

Now that you've made your juicy, tender, and flavourful air fryer chicken drumsticks, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions to make your serving experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

Resting and Temperature:

Before serving, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat fibres to relax, resulting in tender and juicy drumsticks. Aim for a resting period of around 5 minutes.

To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone). The temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This is the minimum safe temperature, and you can cook it up to 185°F if desired.

Presentation:

When it comes to presentation, you can get creative! Arrange the drumsticks on a platter or individual plates, perhaps with some garnishes like fresh herbs (chopped cilantro or parsley) or lemon wedges. You could also skewer the drumsticks for a fun and unique presentation. Don't forget to provide napkins or wet wipes, as this can be a finger-licking meal!

Sides and Sauces:

Sides and sauces can elevate your meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Potatoes: Baked potatoes, potato wedges, or funeral potatoes are classic choices that pair well with chicken.
• Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or mushrooms.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces for dipping, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, hot sauce, or your favourite Asian sauce. You can also provide a creamy sweet chilli mayo or a honey mustard dipping sauce by mixing a few simple ingredients.
• Salads: A fresh and healthy option is to serve the drumsticks with a side salad, such as arugula salad or spinach strawberry salad.
• Other Sides: Funeral potatoes, French fries, rice, or even something healthier like broccoli are all great choices.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch, proper storage and reheating techniques are essential:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the drumsticks in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3-4 months. Make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: You can gently rewarm leftovers in the oven at 350°F or use the air fryer or microwave for quicker reheating.

Now that you know all about serving your air fryer chicken drumsticks, it's time to enjoy your delicious creation! Don't forget to savour every bite and maybe even share some with your loved ones. Happy eating!

Frequently asked questions