Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Creative, Quick, And Crispy Ideas

Chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer are a quick, convenient, and tasty meal. The circulating air of the fryer cooks the legs evenly, resulting in a succulent, crispy outside and tender, juicy meat inside. The air fryer is also a healthier option, requiring little to no oil, and is easy to clean.

There are many ways to season and serve air-fried chicken drumsticks. For a simple seasoning, you can use smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For a sweet and smoky flavour, you can combine dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. You can also try other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or chili powder.

As for serving suggestions, chicken drumsticks go well with various side dishes, such as baked potatoes, French fries, roasted vegetables, or potato salad.

How to make air fryer chicken drumsticks

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks (with skin on)
• Olive oil (or oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Baking powder (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
• In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your chosen spices and seasonings. You can adjust the measurements according to your taste preferences.
• Add the oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasoning mix, tossing until the drumsticks are fully coated.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer.
• Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the drumsticks and cook for a further 6-10 minutes, depending on their size. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the meat (but not touching the bone).
• Remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, place the chicken legs skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
• If you prefer saucy drumsticks, add your chosen sauce in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken first, then toss it in the sauce.
• You can marinate the chicken drumsticks before cooking for extra flavour. Try a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the drumsticks in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer

Chicken drumsticks are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They take less time to cook than other chicken cuts, and you can season them in a variety of ways to suit your taste.

Chicken drumsticks take around 14-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the recipe and the number of drumsticks you are cooking. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked.

The recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165°F or 74°C. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it doesn't touch the bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading.

Any tips for cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the drumsticks in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and for the meat to relax and become more tender.

Cooked chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to four months.

How to check if the chicken is cooked through

Chicken drumsticks can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving. Here are some ways to check if your chicken is cooked:

Using a Thermometer

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick, ensuring that it does not touch the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered cooked. For dark meat, such as chicken thighs, a slightly higher temperature of 175-190°F (79-88°C) will result in a better texture.

Checking the Juices

Check the juices that have collected in the pan or dish. If the juices are clear or white, then your chicken is likely cooked. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs more time to cook. This method is specific to checking the doneness of chicken and should not be applied to other types of meat.

Examining the Meat

Make a small incision in the thickest part of the chicken drumstick and examine the colour of the meat. Cooked chicken should appear white, very light pink, or light tan, without any large pink areas. It is worth noting that even fully cooked chicken may have a slightly pinkish hue, so always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer if you observe any pink colouration.

Feeling the Texture

As chicken cooks, it loses moisture and tightens up. Raw chicken feels rubbery or wobbly, while cooked chicken feels firmer and springs back when poked. The meat should also fall off the bone fairly easily when fully cooked.

Checking for Shrinkage

Chicken loses moisture and fat during the cooking process, causing it to shrink in size. Fully cooked chicken will be about 25% smaller than its raw state. The amount of shrinkage depends on the initial fat and moisture content of the raw chicken. Fatty or juicy pieces will shrink more compared to lean cuts.

Remember to always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked through. Enjoy your air-fried chicken!

What to serve with chicken drumsticks

There are plenty of side dishes that you can serve with chicken drumsticks. Here are some ideas:

• Spicy beans
• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Quick-pickled beets
• Rice pilaf
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• Japanese potato salad
• Beans
• Corn casserole
• Brussels sprouts
• Potato wedges
• Funeral potatoes
• Arugula salad
• Sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato fries
• Chips
• Sweet potato salad
• Healthy potato salad
• Pesto potato salad
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries
• Middle Eastern Batata Harra
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes

How to store, reheat, and freeze chicken drumsticks

Storing, reheating, and freezing chicken drumsticks are all important steps to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Storing Chicken Drumsticks:

Chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is important to store them properly to prevent bacteria growth and maintain their quality.

Freezing Chicken Drumsticks:

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken drumsticks! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your cooked chicken and enjoy it at a later date. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the cooked chicken drumsticks to cool completely.
• Place the drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date.
• Freeze for up to four months for optimal freshness.

When you are ready to eat the frozen drumsticks, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheating Chicken Drumsticks:

There are two popular methods for reheating chicken drumsticks: using an oven or a microwave.

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the leftover drumsticks in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Add a small amount of liquid, such as broth or water, to the bottom of the dish to prevent drying out.
• Loosely cover the dish with aluminium foil.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Microwave Method:

• Place the leftover drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
• Cover them loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Set the microwave to medium-high power (around 70%) and start with 2-4 minutes of heating time, depending on the amount of chicken.
• Rotate the drumsticks every minute or so to promote even cooking.
• Use a food thermometer to check if they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.

Remember, it is important to follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and reheating leftovers to eliminate any potential bacteria or food safety concerns.

Frequently asked questions