Fryer Drumsticks: Creative, Tasty Recipes To Try

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer or deep fryer. They are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and can be made in under 20 minutes. The key to achieving crispy skin and juicy meat is to use a combination of spices and a small amount of oil. For air-fried chicken drumsticks, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) and the drumsticks cooked for around 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Deep-fried chicken drumsticks can be cooked in preheated oil at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks (4-6 drumsticks, depending on how many people you plan to serve)
• Olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
• Seasonings (smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and/or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary)
• Optional sauce (glaze or barbecue sauce)
• Baking powder (or corn starch)
• All-purpose flour

Instructions

• Gather all the necessary ingredients.
• Rinse the drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the drumsticks generously with your chosen combination of spices. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder for a crispier exterior.
• Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly brush the drumsticks with olive oil.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
• If you prefer saucier drumsticks, brush on your chosen sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Check the doneness of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. They should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks (4-6 or more depending on the number of people you plan to serve)
• Olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
• Seasonings (smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and/or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary)
• Optional sauce (barbeque sauce, honey mustard, etc.)
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Prepare the drumsticks: Rinse the drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the drumsticks: Sprinkle on your desired combination of spices and rub them into the drumsticks, ensuring an even coat.
• Let the drumsticks rest: Place the drumsticks on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Brush the drumsticks with oil: Before placing the drumsticks in the air fryer, lightly brush them with olive oil to achieve a crispy texture.
• Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
• Air fry the drumsticks: Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the efficiency of your air fryer.
• Optional sauce: If you prefer saucy drumsticks, brush on your chosen sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sticky, flavourful coating.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. Return them to the air fryer if they need more time.
• Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy french fries.

Tips

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or 425°F for about 25 minutes.
• For extra crispy skin, you can stand the drumsticks up in the air fryer, but for crispier results, it is recommended to cook them in contact with the air fryer basket.
• If you want to double the recipe, simply double all the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• For a Southern-style fried chicken flavour, soak the drumsticks in buttermilk before frying.

Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken drumsticks
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried herbs)
• Optional sauce or glaze (e.g. BBQ sauce, honey mustard)

Method

• Gather your ingredients.
• Rinse the drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the drumsticks generously with your chosen combination of spices. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder for extra crispiness.
• Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly brush the drumsticks with olive oil.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the efficiency of your air fryer.
• If desired, brush on your chosen sauce or glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Check the doneness of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. Ensure they have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Crispy french fries
• Baked potatoes
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (4-6 pieces)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• BBQ sauce (1/4 to 1/2 cup)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika (1 to 2 teaspoons)
• Garlic powder (1 to 2 teaspoons)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Brown sugar (1 teaspoon)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• Optional: Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Method:

• Preparation: Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and ensures the seasonings stick properly.
• Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices and herbs. Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices. Popular options include salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Coating: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken drumsticks and rub the spice mixture generously onto them, ensuring an even coating. Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the drumsticks inside, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.
• Basting: Pull out the basket and generously brush the BBQ sauce onto all sides of the chicken drumsticks. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Serving: Remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy exterior, choose chicken drumsticks with the skin on.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.
• If you want to spice things up, add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend or opt for a spicy BBQ sauce.
• If you're serving a large group, double the recipe and cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For a complete meal, pair the drumsticks with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy French fries.

Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Sauce!

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (4-6)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Ranch dressing (for dipping)

Instructions:

• Gather all the necessary ingredients.
• Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the drumsticks generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar (if using). Rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
• Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly brush the drumsticks with olive oil.
• Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the efficiency of your air fryer.
• Check the doneness of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. Ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.
• Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the chicken drumsticks with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For an extra crispy exterior, choose chicken drumsticks with the skin on.
• If you prefer saucy drumsticks, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce or glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook the drumsticks in batches if needed.
• For optimal flavor and tenderness, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.

Frequently asked questions