Air Fryer Chicken Drummies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken drumsticks are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, as air frying requires little to no oil. The circulating air in the air fryer creates a succulent, crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside. This paragraph will discuss the steps and tips for making chicken drummies in an air fryer.

Choosing your chicken drumsticks

Freshness and Quality:

Start by looking for fresh, high-quality chicken drumsticks at your local grocery store or butcher shop. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates on the packaging to ensure you're getting the freshest product available. Look for drumsticks that are firm to the touch, with a smooth, moist surface. Avoid any that appear dry, discoloured, or have an off-putting odour.

Size and Quantity:

Consider the size of the drumsticks and how many you will need. Drumsticks can vary in size, and you may want larger or smaller ones depending on your preference and the number of servings you plan to make. Typically, 4 to 6 drumsticks are enough for a family meal or a small gathering.

Skin On or Off:

For air fryer chicken drummies, it is recommended to choose chicken drumsticks with the skin on. The skin helps create that crispy, golden exterior that is so desirable in this cooking method. It adds to the flavour and texture, giving you that irresistible crunch.

Bone-In or Boneless:

Most recipes for air fryer chicken drummies call for bone-in chicken drumsticks. The bone adds flavour to the meat and helps keep it moist during the cooking process. However, if you prefer boneless drumsticks, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster without the bone.

Preparation:

Once you've selected your drumsticks, it's essential to prepare them properly before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the oil and seasonings adhere better to the surface, resulting in a more flavourful and crispy final product. You can also trim any excess fat or cartilage from the drumsticks for a neater presentation.

Storage:

If you're not using the drumsticks immediately, proper storage is crucial. Fresh, raw chicken drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 4 months. If you're marinating the drumsticks, place them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to ensure the flavours infuse nicely.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect chicken drumsticks for your air fryer chicken drummies. Remember to select fresh, high-quality drumsticks with the skin on, prepare them properly, and store them correctly if you're not using them right away. Now you're ready to move on to the next step of your delicious air fryer chicken drummies recipe!

Preparing your marinade

For a basic marinade, you will need olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also add brown sugar and smoked paprika for a hint of sweetness and a smoky flavour. Alternatively, you can use your own blend of favourite spices.

In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. If you are using fresh herbs, you will need to chop them finely and add them to the bowl. Add the olive oil to the bowl and mix well. You can also add lemon juice to the marinade for extra flavour.

Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag and drizzle with the marinade. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated. Leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavour.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, you can cook it in the air fryer following the steps outlined in the previous response.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for chicken drummies in an air fryer will vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the number of drumsticks being cooked. However, on average, you can expect the cooking process to take between 15 and 25 minutes at temperatures ranging from 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready to cook the chicken evenly. Set the temperature to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your air fryer's settings and your desired level of crispness. Preheat for 2 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken drummies dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the spices and oil adhere better to the chicken. You can also brush each drumstick with a light coating of olive oil at this stage, which some recipes suggest.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine your desired spices and seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, or experiment with other herbs and spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin. Toss the chicken drummies in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken drummies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or stack. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispness. Cook at the preheated temperature of 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks over.

Step 5: Continue Cooking and Check Doneness

After flipping the chicken drummies, continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the drumsticks and your air fryer model. To check if the chicken is done, use a digital meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Sauce and Serve (Optional)

If you want to add a sauce to your chicken drummies, remove them from the air fryer after they have reached the desired level of doneness. Place them in a bowl, add your favorite sauce (BBQ, honey mustard, or marinade), and shake to coat. You can then return the sauced drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 to 5 minutes to crisp up the sauce. Serve immediately.

Remember, it is essential to monitor the chicken drummies during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or undercooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your air fryer and the size of the drumsticks. Enjoy your crispy and juicy air-fried chicken drummies!

Saucing your drumsticks

There are a few ways to approach saucing your chicken drumsticks. Firstly, you can opt for a marinade, which involves coating the chicken in a sauce before cooking. This is a great way to infuse flavour into the meat. You can also add sauce to the chicken while it cooks, but it is recommended to only do this in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken first, achieving a crispy, crunchy skin, and then toss it in sauce. You can even crisp the chicken, toss it in sauce, and then continue cooking to build a "crust" of sauce.

If you want to serve your chicken with a dipping sauce, there are plenty of options to choose from. Popular choices include ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and Asian sauces. You can even make your own dipping sauce by mixing ranch dressing with hot sauce.

When it comes to choosing a sauce or marinade, you can opt for a simple combination of olive oil and herbs, or get creative with spices and flavours. Some recipes suggest using paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. You can also try a BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a chicken drumstick marinade.

Remember, if you're adding sauce to your chicken drumsticks, wait until they have finished cooking and crisping before tossing them in the sauce. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and flavours!

Serving suggestions

Chicken drummies are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried chicken drummies:

Side Dishes

• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, French fries, or twice-baked potatoes would all be excellent choices to accompany the chicken. Potato wedges or funeral potatoes are also great options if you're looking for something a little different.
• Vegetables: Air-fried chicken drummies can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as beans, corn casserole, Brussels sprouts, or a healthy option like broccoli.
• Salads: A fresh salad can complement the richness of the chicken. Try a Japanese potato salad or a simple green salad.

Dipping Sauces

Chicken drummies can be enjoyed as-is, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some options:

• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce will kick things up a notch.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that is perfect for dipping.
• BBQ sauce: A smoky, savory option that pairs well with the chicken.

Other Suggestions

• Rice: A simple side of rice can round out the meal and help soak up any delicious sauces or juices.
• Spicy beans: For a hearty option, serve the chicken with a side of spicy beans.
• Pickled beets: For something a little different, quick-pickled beets can add a tangy and colorful touch to the plate.

Remember, the beauty of chicken drummies is their versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions