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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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!

When I’m on a tight budget, chicken drumsticks are usually my go-to for dinner. They’re inexpensive and can easily be purchased in small quantities or in a large package. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are, however, a new favorite of mine. Not only do they cook perfectly in the air fryer, but the skin also gets a tad bit crispy, which I love. Add this recipe to your rotation when you need a quick meal on those busy weeknights! 😉

Overhead view of air fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket.

All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.

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

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.
  2. In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  4. 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.
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Comments

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