Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

If you are looking for an easy dinner idea that will go with a variety of different side dishes and that the whole family will love, look no further.

Ready in 25 minutes, these tasty air fryer chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a bunch of flavors.

They are healthy, versatile, delicious, and loved by kids and adults alike. Plus, they are an affordable meal option which can be helpful with the cost of food on the rise.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a great choice for a quick and easy meal. They're versatile, budget-friendly, and delicious, making them a favorite for many home cooks.

These air fryer chicken drumsticks are easy to make, and they cook up quickly in the air fryer, which makes them a great option for busy weeknights or quick dinners.

Air fryer chicken drumsticks can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your tastes. You can make them spicy, sweet, or savory, depending on your mood.

Additionally, chicken drumsticks are an affordable cut of meat, and cooking them in the air fryer is an inexpensive way to make a delicious meal.

Perhaps the most important reason why air fryer chicken drumsticks are so great is that they're delicious! They have crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, and they're a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Chicken:

While this recipe calls for chicken drumsticks, you can make any cut of chicken in this same way. You may have to adjust your cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the cuts you choose.

Seasonings:

You can choose to use any of your favorite seasonings with this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe. Use curry powder, cajun, or jerk spices to flavor your chicken drumsticks. You can even choose a more simplified flavor profile by adding some fresh herbs from your garden, like dill, cilantro, or parsley.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Step One: 

Wash and dry the chicken drumsticks, then thoroughly coat them in olive oil.

Step Two: 

Combine cumin, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper In a small bowl.

Step Three: 

Coat the chicken drumsticks in the seasoning. Massage it into the chicken like a dry rub.

Step Four:

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, evenly spaced.

Step Five: 

Cook for 20 minutes at 300F.

Step Six: 

Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips

• You can cook these drumsticks up immediately if you need something on the fly. However, if you have time, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. This will increase the flavor of your chicken and tenderize it at the same time.
• Turn your drumsticks over halfway through cooking time to get a more even cook on your chicken.
• It's important that you pat your chicken dry after washing. The more excess moisture you can remove from the skin, the crispier your chicken will get during cooking.
• Experiment with your favorite seasonings. Try paprika, cayenne, rosemary, lemon pepper, or even basil to tailor the flavor of your air fryer chicken drumsticks to your personal tastes.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These air fryer chicken drumsticks are an easy dinner idea that pair well with a variety of different side dishes.

Roasted vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, broccoli, crispy green beans, or brussels sprouts would be a delicious and healthy side dish option. Additionally, some roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries seasoned with your favorite spices would round out the meal nicely.

You can also serve jasmine rice or quinoa as a simple and satisfying side dish. Add some herbs, spices, or vegetables to the rice or quinoa for extra flavor.

Even if you are looking for a hearty appetizer or snack idea to serve with the big game, you can serve these delicious air fryer chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara or sweet heat sauce.

FAQs

How long can leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks be stored?

Leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

What can I do to prevent the chicken drumsticks from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Because you have rubbed the chicken with olive oil before cooling, this should prevent your drumsticks from sticking to the air fryer basket while cooking. If you're unsure, you can also spray the basket with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray.

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time since frozen chicken will take longer to cook than fresh chicken. As a general rule, you can add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time for frozen chicken drumsticks.

How can I tell if my chicken drumsticks are fully cooked?

Your drumsticks are done once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

More Chicken Recipes

If you love finding new ways to make a classic dinnertime staple like chicken, then you will love this collection of recipes that offers a new spin on some classic chicken dishes.

• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
• Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
• Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards
• Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings