Want the perfect golden-brown, crispy chicken without deep frying? This air fryer chicken recipe delivers incredible results in just 30 minutes total. With only 219 calories per serving and 17g of protein, you’ll get that satisfying crunch and juicy interior while keeping things lighter.
The best part? You’ll only need 5 minutes of prep time before letting your air fryer work its magic. It’s a game-changing way to enjoy classic comfort food with less guilt and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients Section
- Chicken Drumsticks: 5-8 pieces, patted dry before seasoning
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps spices stick and ensures crispy skin
- Seasoning Blend: A perfect mix of
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions Section
- Preparation: Heat air fryer to 400°F (5 minutes)
- Season: Mix all spices in a bowl until well combined
- Coat: Place drumsticks in a zip bag, add oil and toss to coat evenly
- Season: Add spice mixture to the bag and toss until drumsticks are well-coated
- First Cook: Place in oiled air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes
- Flip and Finish: Turn drumsticks and cook additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Final Touch: Add 5 more minutes for extra crispiness if desired
- Serve: Remove from air fryer and serve while hot and crispy
Air Fryer Tips
Hey there! For the crispiest chicken skin, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a little space between each drumstick. If you’re cooking a bigger batch, it’s better to do multiple rounds than to stack them. A light spray of oil on the basket really helps prevent sticking, and that quick 5-minute preheat makes a big difference in getting that golden-brown crust we all love!
Easy Substitutions
Don’t have all the spices? No worries! You can swap the Italian seasoning for any dried herbs you have – oregano, thyme, or basil work great. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika adds nice color and flavor too. The olive oil can be replaced with any cooking oil you prefer, like avocado or vegetable oil. Just keep the amount the same.
Serving Ideas
These drumsticks are super versatile! They’re perfect with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. For a quick weeknight dinner, serve them with some air-fried potato wedges (you can cook these first and keep them warm in the oven). They’re also amazing for picnics and game day snacking – just add your favorite dipping sauce!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, put them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right up! You can also freeze these drumsticks for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Air Fried Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5-8 Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine spices in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a plastic zipper bag. Add olive oil and toss to coat. Add spice mixture to the bag and toss to coat.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, then place the drumsticks inside and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip drumsticks and cook for another 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Add another 5 minutes of cooking time, until cooked to desired doneness. Serve immediately.
