Jake Harper
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and inexpensive meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer method yields a crispy exterior and juicy meat, without the need for deep frying. This cooking method is also convenient, as it frees up the oven for preparing side dishes. Chicken drumsticks can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and BBQ sauce, to enhance their flavour. They can also be frozen and reheated later, making them a practical option for busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 14-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 380-400°F (200°C) |
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes |
| Flip Food | Yes |
| Seasonings | Smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar |
| Oil | Vegetable oil, olive oil, corn oil |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, hot sauce, honey mustard dipping sauce |
| Sides | Potato salad, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, steamed veggies, side salad |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
To make juicy, crispy chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you'll want to start by patting the chicken legs with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the chicken drumsticks in a separate bowl and drizzle oil over the top. Sprinkle the seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they're evenly coated in oil and spices.
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that no pieces overlap. You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but if you want the chicken skin to be crispier, it's recommended. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but for bone-in dark meat, it's best to cook it to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F.
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest under foil for 3-5 minutes before serving. You can also freeze leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months and reheat them in the air fryer until crispy.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and at the right temperature. Preheating your air fryer to 400ºF is a good idea for cooking chicken drumsticks, as this temperature will ensure the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400ºF. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken drumsticks. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken drumsticks. Start by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is especially important if you are using frozen chicken drumsticks that have been thawed, as they tend to have more moisture.
Next, create your seasoning mix. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like chili powder or Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Drizzle oil over the chicken drumsticks and then sprinkle the prepared seasoning over them. Toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated in oil and spices.
Once your air fryer has preheated to 400ºF, you can carefully place the seasoned drumsticks into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the drumsticks are placed in a single layer and are not overlapping. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can affect cooking times and the overall crispiness of the chicken skin.
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Cooking time: 10 minutes at 380 °F, then flip and cook for 7-9 minutes
To make juicy and tender chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy skin. Next, brush each drumstick with olive oil or another oil of your choice on all sides. The oil not only helps the seasonings stick but also contributes to that golden, crispy exterior we all crave.
Now, it's time to season. Sprinkle your chosen spice rub generously over the chicken, ensuring every inch of the skin is coated. Don't hold back on the spices! Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket, allowing some space between them for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to 380 °F (180 °C) and cook for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the drumsticks over. This step ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides. Return the air fryer basket to the appliance and cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. For food safety and the best culinary experience, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 °F.
Finally, allow the chicken to rest under foil for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps retain juices and ensures your chicken drumsticks are moist and tender. Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks!
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Check the chicken is cooked using a meat thermometer
Checking that your chicken is cooked properly is essential to ensure food safety. Using a meat thermometer is a quick and easy way to check that your chicken drumsticks are cooked to the right temperature.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, being careful to avoid the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, have been killed and the chicken is safe to eat.
If you are cooking bone-in dark meat, it is recommended to cook the chicken to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F. This higher temperature ensures that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has broken down, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
If the chicken has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals and check the temperature again until it reaches the safe zone.
Using a meat thermometer is a reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked properly and is safe to enjoy.
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Reheating: microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer
When you're ready to eat your leftover chicken drumsticks, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, you have two options:
Microwave
Place the drumsticks in the microwave and heat them on high power for 20-30 seconds. This method is quick and convenient, but it may not restore the crispy texture of the chicken skin.
Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF or the recommended setting for your specific model. Place the drumsticks inside, ensuring they don't overlap, and heat until they are warmed through and crispy. This method will take longer than the microwave but will help retain the crispy skin and juicy interior that makes air-fried chicken drumsticks so delicious.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 25 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer at 200°C (390°F).
You should cook chicken drumsticks at 200°C (390°F) in an air fryer.
This depends on the size of your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. A larger air fryer can fit 4-6 drumsticks at once.
You can check the doneness of the chicken by cutting through a small piece to see if the meat is cooked. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature of 175°F.
