Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: The Perfect Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient, healthy, and quick way to cook chicken drumsticks. This guide will teach you how to make juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken drumsticks with a crispy crunch in an air fryer.

Choosing the right oil

When making air fryer chicken drumsticks, the oil you choose is important. While you can use any oil, some are better suited to the air fryer than others.

Firstly, it's important to note that the amount of oil used in the air fryer is significantly less than in deep frying or sautéing. You only need enough to lightly coat the food.

The type of oil you use will depend on the food you're cooking, the temperature, and the oil's smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke and break down, affecting the taste of your food. Therefore, you should choose an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at.

Best Oils for the Air Fryer

Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are examples of oils with high smoke points, making them good choices for the air fryer. Avocado oil, in particular, has a very high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it one of the best oils to use.

If you're looking for an oil with a stronger taste to enhance the flavour of your food, extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil are good options.

Other oils with high smoke points include ghee (clarified butter), soybean oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil.

It's best to avoid oils with low smoke points, such as flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and butter, as they are more suited for drizzling or low-temperature cooking.

Tips for Using Oil in the Air Fryer

• When preparing vegetables or foods with little to no fat, remove moisture before coating with oil.
• Coat the entire surface of the food with a thin layer of oil, but do this in a bowl rather than in the air fryer basket.
• For fish fillets, pizza, or chicken cutlets, pour the oil into the bottom of the basket.
• You can use a spray bottle to lightly spray your food with oil, especially if it needs to be flipped during cooking.
• Avoid non-stick cooking sprays as they can damage the air fryer basket. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister.

Seasoning options

The seasoning options for air fryer chicken drumsticks are endless. You can go for a simple option with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with various herbs and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy Option

For those who like a kick, try a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add some chili powder or cumin for extra heat. Don't be shy with these spices; a little extra spice can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your chicken.

Sweet and Savory

If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramelization and sweetness to the chicken, while the paprika and Italian seasoning provide a savory, earthy flavor.

Classic Herb Blend

For a classic, herby flavor, you can use a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. This combination will give your chicken a traditional, comforting taste.

Spicy BBQ

If you're a fan of barbecue sauce, try seasoning your chicken with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. Then, towards the end of the cooking process, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce. This will give your chicken a sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor.

Simple and Crispy

Sometimes, less is more. For a simple and crispy chicken drumstick, you can stick to just salt, pepper, and olive oil. The olive oil will help the chicken achieve that desired crispiness, while the salt and pepper provide a classic, no-frills flavor.

Spicy Cornflake Coating

For a unique twist, try coating your chicken drumsticks in a spicy cornflake coating. Mix cornflake crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, and paprika. This combination will give your chicken a crunchy texture and a spicy kick.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to experiment and find what you like. Don't be afraid to mix and match different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend. Happy frying!

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a selection of spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You will also need olive oil or another oil of your choice. It is also recommended to have a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken when it is cooked.

Next, prepare your chicken drumsticks. You will need to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the oil and herbs stick to the chicken. You can then place the drumsticks in a bowl or plastic bag.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a small bowl, combine your chosen herbs and spices and mix well. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken drumsticks, and then sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated. You can then place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for a more intense flavour.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, flip the chicken drumsticks, and cook for another 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. If it has not reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, cook for another 5 minutes.

And that's it! Your chicken drumsticks should now be juicy and tender, with a delicious crispy coating.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drumsticks will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Understanding the Importance of Preheating:

Before delving into the steps, let's understand why preheating is essential. When you preheat your air fryer, you bring the appliance to the desired temperature before adding the food. This initial heating ensures that your chicken drumsticks start cooking in a hot environment, promoting even cooking and a consistent texture. It also helps activate the "Maillard reaction," which gives the chicken that desirable golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preheating:

• Consult your air fryer's manual: Different air fryer models may have specific instructions or recommendations for preheating. While the basic process is similar across brands, checking the manual can provide you with model-specific tips for optimal results.
• Prepare your air fryer: Ensure that your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions. A clean appliance will yield better results and reduce the risk of flavor transfer from previous meals.
• Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or digital settings to the desired temperature. For chicken drumsticks, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer between 380°F and 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
• Allow sufficient preheating time: Depending on your air fryer model, preheating can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. Newer air fryers tend to heat up faster, so keep an eye on the preheating process to avoid overheating.
• Use the "air fry" setting: If your air fryer has multiple cooking settings, ensure that you select the "air fry" option. This setting is designed to circulate hot air efficiently, creating the ideal environment for frying your chicken drumsticks.
• Consider preheating with your food inside: While this may be a personal preference, some chefs recommend placing the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer during the preheating process. This method allows the meat to come up to temperature gradually, which some believe enhances juiciness. However, others argue that the meat can start to cook prematurely, affecting the final texture. Experiment to see which method works best for you.

Tips for Optimal Preheating:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: When placing chicken drumsticks in the air fryer during preheating (if you choose to do so), ensure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can trap steam and affect the overall crispness of the final dish.
• Use an oven thermometer: If your air fryer doesn't have a temperature display, consider investing in an oven thermometer. This tool will help you monitor the preheating temperature to ensure it aligns with your desired setting.
• Adjust for size: If you're cooking smaller or larger chicken drumsticks, you may need to adjust the preheating time slightly. Smaller drumsticks might require a shorter preheating period, while larger ones might need a bit more time.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to preheat your air fryer like a pro and take your chicken drumsticks to the next level!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the model of the air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for optimal results.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 380°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C) for 2 to 10 minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the chicken drumsticks in the basket. Make sure that they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer if possible. Cook the drumsticks for about 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then flip them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes at the same temperature. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should have reached 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

For smaller chicken drumsticks, the total cooking time will be closer to 18 minutes, while for larger drumsticks, it will be closer to 22 minutes. It is always better to check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, rather than relying solely on the cooking time.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken drumsticks at a lower temperature of 325°F (160°C) after the initial 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This two-stage cooking method can help ensure that the chicken is cooked through while still maintaining a crispy exterior.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, if you are using bone-in chicken drumsticks, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions