Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Here’s a simple recipe along with some notes to help you get the best results:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken drumsticks cook evenly and get crispy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken to get crispier in the air fryer. If there’s excess skin or fat on the drumsticks, you can trim it.
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (or use cooking spray for a lighter option), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs if using. Mix well to create a seasoning mixture.
- Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the seasoning mixture and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning. You can let them marinate for 15-30 minutes if you have the time, but it’s not necessary.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook them in batches. You may need to lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Air fry the chicken drumsticks at 375°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 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and will have a juicy interior with a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
Notes:
- Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. You can add herbs, spices, or even a marinade of your choice.
- Crispiness: If you want even crispier chicken, you can lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking spray before cooking or use a light coating of oil. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much oil can make them greasy.
- Basket Size: The size of your air fryer basket may affect how many drumsticks you can cook at once. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper airflow.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the drumsticks and the specific air fryer model. It’s a good idea to check the drumsticks for doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside some side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
1. Crispy Coating Options:
- For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the seasoned drumsticks in beaten egg and then coat them in breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
2. Flavorful Marinades:
- Marinating the chicken drumsticks for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade can add a burst of flavor. Try options like barbecue sauce, teriyaki, buffalo sauce, or lemon herb marinades.
3. Spicy Kick:
- If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to your seasoning mix for a spicy version of air fryer chicken drumsticks.
4. Parmesan Crust:
- Mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning for a cheesy crust on your drumsticks.
5. Dipping Sauces:
- Serve your chicken drumsticks with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or tzatziki for a delicious twist.
6. Sides:
- Pair your chicken drumsticks with sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
7. Timing Adjustments:
- Depending on the size and thickness of your drumsticks, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Smaller drumsticks may cook faster, while larger ones may require a bit more time. Keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
8. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
- Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. It helps create the initial sear on the chicken, leading to better texture.
9. Non-Stick Cooking Spray:
- Using a non-stick cooking spray on the basket or drumsticks can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
10. Leftovers: – If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their crispy texture. Make sure not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
11. Basting: – During the cooking process, you can baste the chicken with some of the seasoning mixture or marinade to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your air fryer chicken drumsticks by experimenting with different seasonings, coatings, and sauces. It’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken drumsticks!
