Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

I love when a recipe is simple, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table with smiles. These air fryer chicken drumsticks hit all those marks!

They’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with savory spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.

I’ve been making these for weeknight dinners, game days, or even when friends pop over, and they’re always a hit.

Using an air fryer makes this dish quick and fuss-free, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Let’s get into why this recipe will become a staple in your home!

Read Also: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These air fryer chicken drumsticks are a total crowd-pleaser, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.

The air fryer gives them that perfect crispy skin without the mess of deep frying, and the spice blend adds just the right amount of warmth and zest.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer ensures golden, crunchy skin every time.
• Flavorful: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder packs a punch.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these drumsticks.
• Versatile: Pair with your favorite sides or sauces for endless meal ideas.

Read Also: Air Fryer Sesame Pork Skewers Recipe

Ingredients

To make these delicious air fryer chicken drumsticks, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken drumsticks.

This recipe serves 4, but you can easily double it for a larger crowd.

• 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs or 900g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (5g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (3g)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1g, optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g)

Read Also: Healthy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to whip up these air fryer chicken drumsticks, but having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

• Air fryer (4-quart or larger recommended)
• Mixing bowl for seasoning the drumsticks
• Tongs for flipping and handling hot drumsticks
• Measuring spoons for precise spice measurements
• Paper towels for patting the chicken dry
• Meat thermometer to check doneness

Read Also: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Follow these detailed steps to make perfectly crispy and juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks. Even if you’re new to cooking, these instructions will guide you through the process.

1. Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, helping the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
• Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. The oil helps the spices stick and promotes browning.

2. Season the Drumsticks

• In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• Sprinkle the spice mix over the drumsticks, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat for maximum flavor.
• Let the drumsticks sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors, if time allows.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on your model. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin.

4. Arrange the Drumsticks in the Air Fryer

• Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
• Leave a little space between each drumstick to allow hot air to circulate for even crisping.

5. Cook the Drumsticks

• Air fry the drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Halfway through, at about 10-12 minutes, use tongs to flip each drumstick to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The drumsticks are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

6. Rest and Serve

• Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a plate.
• Let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish, if desired.

Read Also: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Tips for The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality air fryer chicken drumsticks every time, with crispy skin and tender meat.

• Pat the drumsticks dry thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Don’t skip the olive oil; it helps the spices adhere and promotes browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
• Double the spice mix and store extras in an airtight container for future use.
• Shake the basket or flip the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking.

Read Also: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer chicken drumsticks pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them perfect for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Their savory, slightly smoky flavor complements both hearty and light accompaniments.

• Healthy Coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing side.
• Air Fryer Classic French Fries for a classic combo.
• Healthy Cornbread to soak up the juices.
• BLT Pasta Salad for a summery twist.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon for a cozy, savory pairing.

Read Also: Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Switch up the flavors of these air fryer chicken drumsticks to keep things exciting or match your meal’s theme.

• BBQ Drumsticks: Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Honey Garlic Drumsticks: Toss with a mix of honey and soy sauce before air frying.
• Spicy Buffalo Drumsticks: Coat with buffalo sauce and serve with ranch.
• Lemon Herb Drumsticks: Add lemon zest and extra dried thyme to the spice mix.
• Teriyaki Drumsticks: Marinate in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

Read Also: Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Storage and Reheating

These air fryer chicken drumsticks store well, making them great for meal prep or leftovers. Keep them fresh and tasty with these tips.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen drumsticks in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, though skin may soften.

Read Also: BBQ Chicken Wrap Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (2 drumsticks):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg

Read Also: Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

The ingredients in these air fryer chicken drumsticks aren’t just tasty—they offer some great health benefits, too.

From protein-packed chicken to antioxidant-rich spices, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.

• Chicken Drumsticks: High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, good for heart health.
• Paprika: Contains antioxidants, may reduce inflammation.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts immunity and supports heart health.
• Thyme: Has antimicrobial properties and adds flavor without calories.

Read Also: Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wraps Recipe

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

1. Can I Use Frozen Chicken Drumsticks?

Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Frozen drumsticks won’t crisp up properly in the air fryer and may cook unevenly.

2. How Do I Make the Skin Extra Crispy?

Pat the drumsticks very dry before seasoning, and don’t skip the olive oil. Cooking at 400°F (200°C) and avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket also helps.

3. Can I Make These Drumsticks Without an Air Fryer?

Yes, bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Are These Drumsticks Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! The spices are mild, but you can omit the cayenne pepper for an even gentler flavor that kids will love.

5. Can I Marinate the Drumsticks First?

Yes, marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours with the spice mix and olive oil for deeper flavor. Pat dry before air frying to maintain crispiness.

Read Also: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Recipe

Final Thoughts

These air fryer chicken drumsticks have become my go-to for a quick, delicious meal that everyone loves.

The crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold spices make them irresistible, and the air fryer keeps things so easy.

I hope you’ll give this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe a try and let me know how it turns out!

Drop a comment below or share your favorite way to serve these drumsticks with your family.

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