Air-Fryer Drumsticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Making drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy fried chicken without the mess and grease. The circulating air in the fryer ensures even cooking, resulting in succulent, tender, and juicy drumsticks with a crispy outer shell. This method is also healthier, as it requires little to no oil, making it ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

Choosing your chicken drumsticks

When selecting your chicken, opt for drumsticks with the skin on. The skin helps to create that desirable crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy. You can usually find packs of chicken drumsticks in the meat section of your grocery store, near other chicken parts.

Before cooking, it is important to prepare the chicken drumsticks properly. Start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken better. It also ensures that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Once the chicken is dry, you can move on to the next step of preparing your marinade or spice rub.

Preparing the seasoning

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the seasoning, you will need a combination of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optionally, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the number of drumsticks you plan to prepare.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine all the spices and herbs. Mix them together thoroughly to ensure they are well incorporated. You can also add a small amount of olive oil to the mixture to create a paste-like consistency, which will help the seasoning adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote even cooking. You can also brush each drumstick with a light coating of olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil before applying the seasoning.

Step 4: Apply the Seasoning

There are a few different methods you can use to apply the seasoning to the chicken:

• Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the drumsticks and use your fingers to rub it in, ensuring an even coating.
• Place the drumsticks in a plastic bag or bowl, add the olive oil, and toss to coat. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the drumsticks and toss again until they are fully coated.
• Add the chicken drumsticks and the seasoning mix to a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 5: Marinate (Optional)

For even more flavour, you can let the seasoned drumsticks marinate in the refrigerator. Place the seasoned drumsticks in an airtight container or leave them in the sealed plastic bag. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavour infusion.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture from the chicken's surface will help the oil and herbs stick better, resulting in a more flavoursome drumstick.

Next, prepare your marinade. In a small bowl, combine your chosen herbs and spices with a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice to enhance the flavour. For a simple marinade, try a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, experiment with ingredients like brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, and ground mustard.

Once your marinade is ready, place the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag. Drizzle or brush the olive oil over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then, sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over the drumsticks, generously coating each piece. Use your hands to rub the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it's thoroughly covered.

At this point, you can let the chicken marinate. Place the bowl or bag of drumsticks in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavour, leave the chicken to marinate for a few hours or even overnight.

After the chicken has marinated, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Follow the standard air fryer instructions for chicken drumsticks, and you'll soon be enjoying juicy, tender, and flavourful air-fried chicken.

Preheating the air fryer

Firstly, it is essential to understand the role of preheating. Preheating your air fryer ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature before you begin cooking your chicken drumsticks. This step is crucial because it guarantees that your chicken will be cooked evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior.

When preheating your air fryer, the temperature you select will depend on the specific model you own. Most air fryers will require preheating to temperatures between 375°F and 400°F. For instance, the Cosori Air Fryer is recommended to be preheated to 375°F (190°C), while other sources suggest preheating to 400°F. It is advisable to refer to your air fryer's user manual or seek guidance from the manufacturer to determine the optimal preheat temperature for your particular model.

The duration of the preheating process can vary, typically ranging from 2 to 10 minutes. However, it's important to remember that the preheat time may differ based on the model and your desired level of crispiness. For instance, if you aim for crispier chicken skin, you might consider preheating for a slightly longer duration.

During the preheating process, it is essential to ensure that your air fryer is set up correctly. This includes confirming that the basket or rack is properly positioned and that there is sufficient space between each chicken drumstick to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can hinder the circulation of hot air, impacting the cooking process and the overall crispiness of your chicken drumsticks.

While preheating, you can simultaneously prepare your chicken drumsticks by coating them with oil and seasoning. This step ensures that the flavors permeate the meat while the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Once the preheating is complete, you can confidently place your chicken drumsticks into the air fryer, confident that they will cook evenly and efficiently. Remember to refer to the specific cooking instructions provided by your air fryer's manufacturer for the best results.

Cooking the chicken

First, pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This will help the oil and herbs stick to the chicken. Place the chicken legs in a bowl or a plastic bag. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.

Next, prepare the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine the spices and herbs. Sprinkle the rub mixture generously all over the chicken legs.

Now it's time to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they have some space around them. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes.

For extra crispy skin, cook the chicken for an additional 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To check the temperature, use a digital meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick without touching the bone.

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions