Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-frying. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes to help you make the perfect air fryer chicken drumsticks:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. You can also trim any excess fat if desired.
- Season the Drumsticks: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional herbs like thyme or rosemary. Mix well. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy skin.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Air fry the drumsticks at 380°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the specific air fryer model, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Check for Crispiness: If you prefer your chicken drumsticks extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Once the drumsticks are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the internal temperature is safe, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked without being overdone.
- You can customize the seasoning to your taste. Add your favorite herbs and spices to the mix for extra flavor.
- Be cautious not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
- You can serve the chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your air fryer chicken drumsticks, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to suit your preferences!
Tips:
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in your favorite marinade before air frying. This adds depth to the taste.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, invest in a meat thermometer. This helps prevent undercooking or overcooking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs or Panko: After seasoning the drumsticks, you can dip them in breadcrumbs or panko crumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Rotate Drumsticks: If you have a smaller air fryer and need to cook in batches, rotate the drumsticks in and out for even cooking.
Variations:
- Saucy Drumsticks: After cooking, toss the chicken drumsticks in your favorite sauce (BBQ, buffalo, teriyaki, etc.) for a saucy twist. You can then return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Lemon Herb Drumsticks: Season with lemon juice, zest, and a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Serve with a side of lemon wedges for a zesty flavor.
- Spicy Drumsticks: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. Serve with a cool dipping sauce to balance the heat.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Drumsticks: After cooking, glaze the drumsticks with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard. Air fry for a few more minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Asian-inspired Drumsticks: Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in the seasoning for an Asian flair. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
- Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks: Toss the cooked drumsticks in melted butter and minced garlic, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Tandoori Drumsticks: Use tandoori spice mix or a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for a flavorful Indian twist.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasonings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Air fryer chicken drumsticks are versatile and can be adapted to various cuisines and flavor profiles. Enjoy your delicious and crispy chicken drumsticks!
