These juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks are about to be your new obsession. Think crunchy panko coating, juicy chicken on the inside, and that perfect crackly bite in every single piece.
Recipe Highlights
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (easy weeknight meal)
- Servings: 5 hearty servings
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, avocado oil, spices
- Who This Recipe Is For: Busy cooks, families, or anyone who loves eating yummy chicken legs.
- Variations: Smother it in BBQ sauce or hot sauce, or make a sweet-and-sour glaze.
The best part about this recipe? It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together right in your air fryer. You won't have to deal with any oil splatters either. Tossed in a simple blend of spices and cooked to golden perfection, they’re the kind of recipe that feels effortless but tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, these drumsticks are always a hit.
All you need are a few simple sides to make it a hearty dinner. My roasted garlic butter parmesan potatoes are perfect with it. Or make some no knead baguettes.
Then, don't forget about dessert! My Jamaican Rum Cake is really rich and the best way to end your meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No breading: You'll get a crispy coating on the outside without any egg wash or breadcrumbs.
- No-Mess: The air fryer method means no messy deep-frying, no splattering oil, and way easier cleanup after dinner.
- Quick and easy to make: Requires simple prep and is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A true crowd-pleaser: A family-friendly recipe that’s great for dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken: You'll need about 10 drumsticks for this recipe.
- Oil: Any cooking oil will work. I used avocado oil.
- Spices: I used paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
See the recipe card below for detailed ingredient amounts.
Substitutions and Variations
- Turn up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks just before serving.
- Switch up the seasoning by using Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or a suya-inspired blend for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh aromatics by swapping garlic and onion powder for freshly minced garlic and grated onion.
- Make it extra rich by brushing the drumsticks with melted butter or BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Put all of your spices and the oil in a small bowl and mix them up together.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and put them into a large bowl.
- Pour the entire seasoning mixture you made earlier all over the chicken drumsticks and make sure they are completely coated.
- Let them set in the seasoning for at least 10 minutes.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in an even, single layer in the airfryer basket.
- Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them over halfway through the cooking time.
- After they are completely cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before you serve them.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp the skin.
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
Top Tip
For the crispiest, most flavorful drumsticks, always pat the chicken completely dry before adding your seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, rather than steaming. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in texture and overall flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or herbs such as cumin, regular paprika, rosemary, or chili powder.
Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking, but it's not strictly necessary. However, preheating can help shorten the overall cooking time.
The chicken drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Yes, you can cook the chicken drumsticks ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through before serving.
Air-fried chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or tzatziki.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Let the chicken drumsticks marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- After marinating, place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp the skin.
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
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Whenever I need something quick, I make these and serve with whatever dish, and it stands out every time. Crispy but juicy.