Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
These easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks always turn out super juicy, with crispy seasoned skin and are on the table in less than 30 minutes!

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Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: 2 lbs. (about 5-6 pieces), bone-in and skin-on.
- Olive Oil: 1.5 Tbsp.
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.
- In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These drumsticks can be served with a side salad, mac and cheese, steamed veggies, or potato salad. Don’t forget to add your favorite dipping sauce, BBQ sauce tops our list!
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer set to 360ºF until warmed through.
Recipe Success Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for a temperature of 175°F for the juiciest results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
- Yes, but remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight first for the best results.
- 2. What dipping sauces can I serve with chicken drumsticks?
- BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard are excellent choices!
- 3. How can I make these drumsticks spicier?
- Feel free to add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- 4. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
- Leftover drumsticks can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- 5. What should I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
- You can bake the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 425ºF for about 35-45 minutes, depending on the size.