Air frying chicken drumsticks is a delicious and healthier alternative to deep frying. Here’s a perfect air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe along with some important notes to ensure your chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier skin.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
3. Season the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme or oregano if using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Cook the drumsticks at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your drumsticks and the specific air fryer model. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Once done, remove the chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Notes:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating is crucial to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Don’t skip this step.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking.
- Oil or Cooking Spray: You can either drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks or use a cooking spray to coat them. Using an oil spray can help reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. You can add herbs, spices, or even marinade the drumsticks in your favorite sauce before air frying.
- Temperature and Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s essential to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Safety: Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
By following these tips and instructions, you’ll have perfectly crispy and delicious air fryer chicken drumsticks every time. Enjoy!
7. Coating Variations:
- Experiment with different coatings like breadcrumbs, panko, crushed cornflakes, or grated Parmesan cheese to add extra crunch and flavor.
8. Marinating: Marinating the chicken drumsticks for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade can infuse them with extra flavor. Popular choices include barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, or honey mustard marinades.
9. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Shake and Flip: Give the air fryer basket a shake or flip the drumsticks occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning. This helps achieve that crispy, golden exterior.
11. Preheating the Seasoning: For extra flavor, you can mix the seasoning with the olive oil and let the drumsticks marinate in this mixture for about 30 minutes before air frying.
12. Skin-On or Skinless: You can choose to remove the skin from the drumsticks for a healthier option, but keep in mind that the skin helps retain moisture and crispiness.
13. Size Matters: Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the drumsticks. Smaller ones may cook faster, while larger ones may need a bit more time.
14. Use a Cooking Rack: If your air fryer has a cooking rack accessory, use it to cook the drumsticks. It allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
15. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo to complement the chicken’s flavor.
16. Side Dish Ideas: Pair your air fryer chicken drumsticks with side dishes such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
17. Double-Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary.
18. Reheating: To reheat leftover chicken drumsticks, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
19. Cleaning: Clean your air fryer basket and tray promptly after use to prevent residue buildup. Most parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
By following these additional tips and variations, you can create a wide range of delicious air fryer chicken drumstick recipes to suit your taste and preferences. Enjoy your meals!
