These golden-brown air fryer chicken drumsticks deliver that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior in just 30 minutes. A healthier twist on the classic fried favorite, each drumstick packs 17g of protein while keeping the fat content mindful at 16g per serving.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this fuss-free recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time. Skip the messy deep-frying – your air fryer does all the heavy lifting to create that irresistible crunch you crave.
Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks – Essential Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: 5-8 pieces, pat dry for best results
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps seasonings stick and ensures crispy skin
- Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cooking Spray: For coating the air fryer basket
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (5 minutes)
- Season Blend: Mix all dry seasonings in a small bowl until well combined
- Oil Coating: Place drumsticks in a zipper bag, add olive oil, and toss until evenly coated
- Season: Add spice mixture to the bag and shake well to ensure even coating
- First Cook: Spray basket with cooking oil, arrange drumsticks, and cook for 10 minutes
- Flip & Finish: Turn drumsticks over, cook additional 10 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 for best taste
Cooking Techniques
Air frying gives these drumsticks a wonderfully crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. For the best results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a little space between each drumstick so the hot air can circulate freely. If you’re cooking a larger batch, it’s better to do multiple rounds than to stack the pieces on top of each other.
Temperature Tips
That golden temperature of 165°F isn’t just a suggestion – it’s your ticket to perfectly cooked chicken every time! Pop a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. If you like your drumsticks extra crispy, those extra 5 minutes at the end will give you that satisfying crunch without drying out the meat.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy, crispy drumsticks pair beautifully with cool, fresh sides. Try them with a crisp coleslaw, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables. Want to make it a feast? Add some sweet potato fries or corn on the cob. Don’t forget to put out some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Storage and Reheating
Keep any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating.
Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Plastic Zipper Bag
- Small Bowl
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.
