These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. They’re easy to prepare with simple seasonings and cook quickly in the air fryer for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
My Advice to You
Always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up properly in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate evenly around each piece.
Food Safety, Storage & Serving
Serving
Serve hot with dipping sauces, roasted vegetables, fries, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked drumsticks in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
For safe minimum internal cooking temperatures for poultry, visit the USDA Chicken and Poultry Safety Guide
FAQ
Why are my chicken drumsticks not crispy?
The chicken may have too much moisture or the air fryer basket may be overcrowded.
Do I need to flip the drumsticks?
Yes, flipping halfway through cooking helps both sides crisp evenly.
What internal temperature should chicken drumsticks reach?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want juicy chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken
- Start by patting the chicken skin completely dry using a paper towel . This crucial step removes excess moisture and ensures the chicken legs get extra crispy in the air fryer .
- Seasoning the Chicken
- In a small bowl, add the baking powder, salt, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, and mix well.
- Stir the mixture until it is well blended
- Add the chicken legs into the bowl and toss them thoroughly until every piece is well coated with the seasoning mix
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Once ready, arrange the chicken legs inside the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking
- Cook for the first 10 minutes
- Open the air fryer and flip the chicken legs over
- Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until they look beautifully crispy and the internal temperature reaches
- Serving
- Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving and enjoying it with your favorite side dishes
Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer
