Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook a variety of dishes, and they can be used to make delicious lemon pepper drumsticks in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, and you only need a few simple ingredients. The chicken drumsticks are juicy and tender on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by including different seasonings or spices.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

The secret to achieving that coveted crispy skin on your lemon pepper drumsticks lies in the preparation and cooking techniques. Here are some essential tips to ensure your drumsticks turn out perfectly:

Pat the chicken dry:

Before you begin seasoning, use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks until they are completely dry. Removing any excess moisture will help ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Marinate the chicken:

In a bowl, combine your choice of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil), lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix well. Then, add the chicken drumsticks to this mixture and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the drumsticks to marinate in this mixture for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. Set your air fryer to around 380-400°F and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately upon contact with the hot air, promoting even cooking and crisping.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer:

When placing the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. Spacing them out allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, resulting in uniform cooking and crisping.

Cook at the right temperature and time:

Air fry your lemon pepper drumsticks at around 380-400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Check the internal temperature:

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170°F.

Garnish and serve:

Once your drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. Serve immediately while the skin is still crispy and the meat is juicy.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to achieve that perfect crispy skin on your lemon pepper drumsticks, impressing your family and friends with your culinary prowess!

Marinating the drumsticks

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken drumsticks, olive oil or vegetable oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and fresh lemon juice (optional). The amount of each ingredient will depend on the number of drumsticks you are preparing.

Next, prepare your chicken drumsticks for marinating. Place the desired number of drumsticks on a paper towel and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote a crispier skin. You can also place the drumsticks in a large bowl or baking dish to make the next step easier.

Now, it's time to add the seasoning. Drizzle or brush the drumsticks with olive oil or vegetable oil. Make sure to coat the chicken legs evenly. Then, sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt (if desired) over the drumsticks. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring it gets underneath the skin. You can also place the drumsticks in a large plastic bag, add the oil and seasonings, and shake until the drumsticks are evenly coated.

Once the drumsticks are seasoned, it's important to let them marinate. Cover the bowl or baking dish with plastic wrap or place the drumsticks in an airtight container or plastic bag. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps the flavours penetrate the meat and ensures more even cooking.

Finally, you can cook your lemon pepper chicken drumsticks in the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F.

Feel free to add your own creative touches to the marinade, such as fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, to make the dish truly yours!

What temperature to cook at and for how long

The temperature and cooking time for your lemon pepper drumsticks will depend on the size of your chicken legs and your air fryer. It's important to ensure your chicken is cooked through before serving. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

Most recipes suggest cooking your drumsticks for around 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, one source recommends cooking for 10 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for another 10–12 minutes.

If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time. One source recommends cooking frozen chicken legs for 35–45 minutes at 375°F. Another suggests 22–24 minutes at the same temperature.

To reheat lemon pepper drumsticks, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lay the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer. Reheat for 6–8 minutes. If you are reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time to 10–15 minutes.

What to serve with lemon pepper drumsticks

Lemon pepper drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to make it a well-rounded meal:

• Salads: A fresh salad with greens and crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes will complement the juicy drumsticks perfectly. You could also try a massaged kale and apple salad for a healthy, low-carb option.
• Potatoes: French fries, cheesy scalloped potatoes, sour cream mashed potatoes, or even a twice-baked potato casserole would make a great side.
• Veggies: Air fryer Brussels sprouts or southern green beans with bacon would be delicious. You could also try garlic parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts or old-fashioned green beans.
• Rice and Pasta: Creamy spinach pasta, pesto tortellini salad, or French onion rice pilaf would be excellent choices.
• Other Sides: Air fryer tater tots, coleslaw, ranch potatoes, chimichurri rice, or tater tots are some unique options to consider.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store lemon pepper drumstick leftovers, seal them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftover chicken drumsticks for up to 3 months. It is best to wrap them in plastic to ensure they are completely sealed before placing them in an airtight container.

When you are ready to eat your leftovers, simply reheat them in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time to 10-15 minutes in the air fryer, 15 minutes in the oven, or defrost the chicken legs first if reheating on the stovetop.

Frequently asked questions