Air Fryer Crispy Drumsticks: The Perfect Crunch

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make crispy chicken drumsticks, then look no further than your air fryer! This method of cooking yields juicy and tender meat on the inside with a deliciously crunchy skin on the outside. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of prep time.

The secret to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in the use of baking powder or corn starch, which helps to absorb moisture and gives the chicken skin an ultra-crispy texture. By coating the chicken with a mixture of baking powder and spices, you can create a delicious crust without the need for any additional breading.

So, if you're craving some fried chicken but don't want the grease and calories that come with traditional frying methods, give this air fryer recipe a try! It's a healthier alternative that will leave you with mouthwatering, crispy drumsticks every time.

How to get the skin crispy

The skin of the chicken drumsticks can be made crispy by following these steps:

Pat the chicken dry:

Use a paper towel to remove some of the moisture from the chicken drumsticks. This will help the oil and spices stick to the skin better.

Use oil:

Lightly brush or spray the chicken drumsticks with oil. This will help the spices stick to the skin and also promote crispiness. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.

Use baking powder:

Baking powder is the secret ingredient that will make the skin of your chicken drumsticks extra crispy. It helps to absorb moisture from the chicken and creates a crunchy texture when cooked. Make sure to use baking powder and not baking soda, as they are not the same.

Season the chicken:

Combine the baking powder with your desired spices in a separate bowl. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, or any other spices you like. Mix the spices and baking powder together, and then rub or sprinkle them onto the chicken drumsticks, making sure to coat them evenly. Let the seasoning sit on the chicken for 10-20 minutes before cooking.

Cook in a single layer:

When placing the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, avoiding any overlap or stacking. This will ensure that the hot air circulates around each drumstick, helping to crisp up the skin.

Flip halfway through:

To ensure even cooking and crispiness, flip the chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking process. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of drumsticks, you may need to cook them in batches.

How to prepare the drumsticks

Preparing the drumsticks is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure that the oil, herbs, and spices adhere well to the chicken. You can use regular paper towels or kitchen towels for this purpose.

Next, brush the drumsticks with a light coating of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use canola or vegetable oil if that's what you have on hand. Place the oiled drumsticks in a large bowl or a plastic bag.

Now, it's time to make the seasoning mix. In a separate small bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder (optional). You can adjust the measurements of these spices according to your taste preferences. For instance, if you like it spicy, you can add more pepper or include some cayenne pepper.

After preparing the seasoning mix, it's time to coat the drumsticks. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously all over the chicken, making sure to cover both sides. You can use your hands or a brush to ensure the drumsticks are evenly coated.

At this point, you can let the drumsticks sit for about 10-20 minutes to allow the baking powder to absorb some moisture from the chicken, which will help achieve that extra crispiness. However, if you're in a hurry, you can skip this step and proceed to cooking them.

Finally, before placing the drumsticks in the air fryer, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Place the drumsticks in a single layer, avoiding any overlap or stacking, and they're ready to be cooked!

How long to cook the drumsticks for

The cooking time for the drumsticks will vary depending on the number of drumsticks being cooked, the size of the drumsticks, and the model of the air fryer. It is important to always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the drumsticks has reached 165°F before serving.

For a standard-sized batch of 4-6 drumsticks, the cooking time will typically be around 20 minutes in an air fryer set to 400°F. It is recommended to flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For larger batches, it is best to cook the drumsticks in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the cooking time and crispiness of the drumsticks.

What temperature to cook the drumsticks at

The optimal temperature to cook the drumsticks at is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to ensure the chicken is cooked through and achieves a desirable crispiness.

Different air fryers may vary in their temperature settings, so it is always good to check the manual for your air fryer.

For example, one recipe suggests a temperature range of 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit, while another recommends 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to preheat the air fryer, and then to cook the drumsticks at this same temperature for 20 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. This can be done by checking that the internal temperature of the drumsticks has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to serve with the drumsticks

Now that you've made your crispy drumsticks in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some side dish suggestions to complement your juicy, crispy chicken drumsticks:

• Salads: A refreshing salad can provide a delightful contrast to the warm and crispy drumsticks. Try a tangy coleslaw, a cucumber lemon orzo salad, or a grilled peach and arugula salad for a pop of colour and freshness.
• Potatoes: Potato-based sides are always a great option. Consider making French-style potato salad, air fryer roasted potatoes, or mashed potatoes. For something more indulgent, try potatoes au gratin.
• Rice: Baked mushroom rice is a tasty option that can be cooked in the oven alongside your drumsticks. For something lighter, try a rice pilaf or apricot couscous.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and tasty choice. You could also try garlic butter roasted mushrooms or ratatouille for a French twist.
• Bread: Buttermilk biscuits are a perfect pairing, especially if you have some gravy to dip them in!
• Other sides: Mac and cheese, collard greens, or cornbread dressing are sure to be a hit. For something fruity, serve a corn salad with avocado, tomato, and lime.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can mix and match to create the perfect meal!

Frequently asked questions