Air-Fryer Drumsticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Making drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that fried chicken taste and texture without the oil. This recipe will give you juicy meat with a crispy skin in less than 20 minutes.

First, pat your drumsticks dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil. Then, in a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag and shake until they are covered with the spice mixture.

Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the drumsticks from sticking. Place the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The drumsticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and when a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Choosing your chicken drumsticks

• Freshness: Look for fresh or thawed chicken drumsticks. Check the "best before" date on the packaging to ensure they are within their shelf life. Fresh chicken will have a pinkish colour, while frozen chicken should be completely frozen without any thawed parts.
• Quality: Opt for high-quality chicken drumsticks from a reputable source. Look for drumsticks with a good amount of meat on them—they should feel plump and tender. Avoid drumsticks with discoloured meat or a strong odour, as these may be past their prime.
• Size: Consider the size of the drumsticks in relation to your air fryer. If you have a large air fryer, you may be able to fit 4-6 drumsticks at once. However, if you have a smaller model, you might need to adjust the quantity or cook in batches.
• Skin: Leaving the skin on the drumsticks will result in a crispier texture. Look for chicken drumsticks with intact skin, free from tears or punctures. If you prefer to remove the skin, you can do so after purchasing, but be aware that the cooked chicken may not be as crispy.
• Packaging: Examine the packaging for any signs of damage or leaks. Ensure the drumsticks are securely wrapped and there is no excess liquid in the package, as this can affect the quality and flavour of the meat.
• Price: Chicken drumsticks are generally an economical choice for protein. Compare prices at different retailers to find the best value, but be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, as this may indicate lower quality.

Remember to handle chicken drumsticks with care and always follow food safety guidelines when preparing and cooking chicken.

Preparing your marinade

For a delicious and juicy drumstick, it is important to prepare your marinade well. Start by gathering your ingredients: you will need olive oil or any oil of your choice, and a selection of spices and seasonings. A simple blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard, and a pinch of cayenne will do the trick. You can also add in some brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and caramelization. If you want to get creative, feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder, oregano, rosemary, or thyme.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix them. Combine your spices and seasonings in a small bowl and mix well. You can also add the oil to this mixture, or drizzle it separately over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. If you have the time, let the drumsticks marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even overnight for more intense flavour.

For an extra crispy texture, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before adding the marinade. This will help reduce moisture and ensure a crispier skin.

Now you're ready to pop those drumsticks into the air fryer! But remember, don't crowd the basket. Leave some space between each drumstick to allow for even cooking and that perfect crispy texture.

Cooking your drumsticks

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it is time to cook your drumsticks. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken drumsticks

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This will help the oil and herbs stick to the chicken better. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.

Step 2: Create your marinade

In a small bowl, combine your herbs and spices with olive oil. You can also add other ingredients such as lemon juice or garlic to boost the flavour.

Step 3: Marinate the chicken

Place the drumsticks in a bowl or a plastic bag and drizzle with your marinade. Toss or shake to ensure the drumsticks are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavour.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F. The exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Step 5: Cook the chicken

Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 18-20 minutes, depending on the size of your drumsticks.

Step 6: Check the doneness

Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Once your chicken is cooked, you can serve it immediately. Air fryer drumsticks go well with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, French fries, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried chicken drumsticks!

Checking the temperature of your chicken

First, it is important to note that the recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. This is the temperature at which poultry is considered safe to eat, according to food safety guidelines. To check the temperature of your chicken drumsticks, you will need to use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure that it does not touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

When checking the temperature of your chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, it is important to follow the cooking instructions for your particular air fryer model. Different air fryers may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so it is essential to refer to your air fryer's instructions. However, as a general guideline, most air fryer recipes recommend cooking chicken drumsticks for around 14 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

Once your chicken drumsticks have reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F, it is important to remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in juicy and tender drumsticks.

Additionally, when checking the temperature of your chicken, it is crucial to avoid overcooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry and rubbery, so it is best to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F. The carryover cooking will bring the chicken to the final safe temperature of 165°F while helping to retain moisture and juiciness.

In conclusion, checking the temperature of your chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is a crucial step to ensure food safety and optimal taste. By using a meat thermometer and following the cooking instructions for your air fryer, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy and delicious drumsticks every time.

Serving your drumsticks

Once your drumsticks are cooked, you can serve them as they are, or with a sauce for dipping.

If you want to add a sauce, it's best to do this after the drumsticks have been cooked and have crisped up. You can either toss the drumsticks in the sauce or layer the sauce on to create a crunchy "crust" while the chicken cooks.

If you want to serve the drumsticks with a sauce, but don't want to add it to the chicken, you could make a creamy sweet chilli mayo, a honey mustard dipping sauce, or a spicy Sriracha and ranch dressing.

Chicken drumsticks are also great served with sides such as:

• Beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussel sprouts
• Potatoes
• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer twice-baked potatoes
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Spicy beans

Frequently asked questions