If you’re craving something crispy, delicious, and easy to make, look no further than Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. These juicy drumsticks come out perfectly cooked with a golden, crispy skin, all thanks to the magic of air frying. With the perfect mix of spices like paprika, garlic, and Italian seasoning, you’ll have a meal that’s packed with flavor and super satisfying. Plus, no deep frying means a healthier cooking method, yet you won’t sacrifice that crisp texture we all love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive in, here’s a list of ingredients you will need for this simple yet flavorful dish. Don’t worry, these are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin on)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients will help you achieve that perfectly seasoned drumstick with a nice balance between savory, spicy, and a hint of herbaceous goodness.
Required Kitchen Tools
To ensure your cooking goes smoothly, here’s what you’ll need:
- Air Fryer : Your trusty air fryer is essential for achieving the crispy skin without any deep frying.
- Mixing Bowls : A small bowl for mixing the rub.
- Tongs : Use tongs to handle the drumsticks and flip them mid-cooking without burning yourself.
- Meat Thermometer : This is optional, but it’s always good to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Having the right tools will not only make the process easier but also ensure you get those delicious, perfectly cooked drumsticks ready in no time.
How to Prepare Your Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Step by Step
1. Make the Rub Mixture
The star of any great fried chicken is the seasoning, and this recipe is no exception. We’re keeping things simple yet flavorful with a classic rub. Here’s how to prepare it:
In a small bowl, combine the following spices:
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Stir together all the ingredients until they are well blended. This rub mixture will coat every inch of your chicken drumsticks, ensuring that every bite is packed with delicious flavor. You can even customize the spice rub by adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or a squeeze of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
2. Prepping the Chicken
The key to perfect Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks is prepping the chicken so that it cooks evenly and gets super crispy.
- Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture from the skin, ensuring crispier results when air frying.
- Next, brush the drumsticks with olive oil on all sides. The oil helps the rub adhere to the chicken and promotes an even, golden color. Don’t skip this step!
- Now for the fun part: season the chicken ! Generously sprinkle the rub mixture all over the drumsticks. Ensure that you massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny of the chicken for maximum flavor.
Once the chicken is well-coated with both oil and seasoning, you’re ready to move on to cooking.
Air Frying the Chicken: Crispy and Juicy in No Time
3. Air Frying the Chicken Drumsticks
Now that your chicken drumsticks are perfectly seasoned and prepped, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. This step ensures even cooking once you place the drumsticks in the basket. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it empty for about 3-5 minutes to get it hot.
- Arrange the drumsticks in the fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them. If you have a small air fryer, you can cook them in batches so that the air circulates freely around each drumstick. Just note that overcrowding can reduce crispiness since the hot air won’t get a chance to evenly hit every side of the chicken.
- Cook the drumsticks for 20 minutes , flipping them halfway through. After 10 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer, use tongs to flip each drumstick over, and let them cook for another 10 minutes.
If you prefer extra crispy skin—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—you can add an additional 5 minutes to the cook time. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
4. Check for Doneness
The last step is to make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through. The easiest way to check is by using a meat thermometer . Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick (making sure not to touch the bone). The chicken is done and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F .
Serving and Storing These Irresistible Drumsticks
5. Serving Suggestions
Once your Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are perfectly cooked and crispy, it’s time to savor the results! You can serve them immediately while they’re still hot and juicy, paired with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Here are a few more serving suggestions to make this meal complete:
- Side Dishes : These drumsticks go perfectly with side dishes like air fryer vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or even some homemade coleslaw. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, serve them with a side of mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
- Garnishing : Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated parmesan on top for an extra burst of flavor. You can also serve the chicken with lemon wedges, allowing each person to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over their drumsticks.
6. Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s face it, might be hard to come by), don’t worry—these drumsticks store beautifully.
- Refrigeration : Let the drumsticks cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes. This will help retain their crispy texture!
- Freezing : You can also freeze any leftover drumsticks. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen drumsticks, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then toss them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are not only fast and easy to make, but they’re the perfect combo of juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. With simple pantry seasonings and just 20-25 minutes of cooking time, you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a cookout, or just whipping up a quick snack, these drumsticks are sure to hit the spot.
Now that you’ve learned the steps, grab your air fryer, your seasonings, and satisfy that craving for crispy chicken perfection!