Air Fryer Turkey Drumsticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Turkey drumsticks are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them without the hassle of using an oven. The air fryer method produces a crispy outer skin with a juicy and tender inside, and the cooking time is accelerated compared to using a conventional oven. This introduction will cover the ingredients, method, and serving suggestions for air fryer turkey drumsticks.

Choosing the right turkey drumsticks

First, decide on the size of the drumsticks you need. If you're cooking for a small group, opt for smaller drumsticks, also known as lean turkey legs. Larger drumsticks are ideal if you're feeding a crowd, but keep in mind that they may not fit in your air fryer, so check the size of your air fryer basket before purchasing. You can find turkey drumsticks at your local grocery store or butcher, usually in packs of two or three.

When selecting the drumsticks, look for ones that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Avoid drumsticks that are oversized or uneven, as they may not fit properly in the air fryer or cook evenly. Fresh or frozen turkey drumsticks can be used, but it's important to thaw frozen drumsticks before cooking to ensure even cooking.

It's also important to consider the quality of the meat. Look for drumsticks with a good amount of meat on them, avoiding ones with large patches of exposed bone. The meat should be firm and have a healthy colour. Check the packaging or ask the butcher about the grade of the meat to ensure you're getting a quality product.

Finally, when preparing the drumsticks for cooking, be sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This will help the seasoning or rub adhere to the meat and promote even cooking. Removing excess moisture will also help ensure crispy skin, which is a desirable trait when cooking turkey drumsticks in the air fryer.

Preparing the drumsticks for the air fryer

Once you have the right drumsticks, it's time to make your rub. For a simple option, mix olive oil with poultry seasoning, parsley, salt, paprika, and pepper. Alternatively, you could make a smoky butter rub by mixing melted butter with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. You could also add brown sugar and Italian seasoning or onion powder.

Now, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and apply the rub. Make sure you get an even coating all over the legs and under the skin. If you're using butter, try to get some under the skin, too.

Your drumsticks are now ready for the air fryer!

Making the rub

Firstly, gather your ingredients. Most rubs include a combination of butter or oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (smoked or regular), salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like thyme, Italian seasoning, or poultry seasoning to enhance the flavour. Play around with the spices to find your perfect blend!

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. If you're using butter, make sure it's softened so that it mixes easily with the spices. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well until you have a smooth, well-combined paste. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

Now it's time to apply the rub to the turkey drumsticks. Take your prepared turkey drumsticks and coat them generously with the rub. Make sure to get the rub under the skin as well—this will infuse the meat with flavour. Use your hands or a brush to evenly distribute the rub all over the drumsticks.

At this point, you can choose to let the drumsticks marinate in the fridge for a few hours to really enhance the flavour. Or, if you're short on time, you can proceed to the next step.

Before placing the drumsticks in the air fryer, don't forget to preheat it to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F. This step ensures that your drumsticks cook evenly.

Finally, place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping. Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your air fryer, and don't forget to flip the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking.

With these steps, you'll have perfectly rubbed and cooked turkey drumsticks that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!

Cooking the drumsticks

First, you'll want to gather your ingredients. The exact blend of spices can vary according to taste, but you'll need oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You'll also need two turkey drumsticks, about 1/2 pound each.

Before you start cooking, remove the turkey legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside.

Next, make your rub by combining the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer. Spread the rub over the turkey drumsticks, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly and get under the skin, being careful not to tear it.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch the top of the air fryer or they may burn.

Air fry the drumsticks for 20 minutes, then flip and rotate them. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Once the drumsticks are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will give them time to reabsorb any lost liquid, resulting in juicy meat.

Tips for cooking turkey drumsticks in an air fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the drumsticks in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Pat the drumsticks dry before applying the rub to ensure you get crispy, golden skin.
• Check the internal temperature of the drumsticks with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juices.

Resting and serving the drumsticks

Once your turkey drumsticks are cooked, it's important to let them rest for a while before serving. This will give the meat time to reabsorb any lost liquid, resulting in a juicy turkey leg instead of a dry one.

Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and cover them loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 to 15 minutes. This is also a good time to finish off any sides or get the rest of the meal to the table.

When you're ready to serve, you can pair your juicy, crispy drumsticks with a variety of sides. Some suggestions include roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with a side of gravy or barbecue sauce.

If you're making these drumsticks for a fun handheld snack for a game-day party, you could serve them with some chips and dip, like guacamole or blue cheese dip. For a cold option, try a Mexican corn salad.

Frequently asked questions