Crispy, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks in 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are the perfect choice. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can have a meal that tastes like it was grilled outside—without the hassle of cleaning up a grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 7 bone-in chicken drumsticks – These provide a good amount of meat and help keep the chicken moist.
- Avocado oil – This oil helps create a nice browned crust on the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth that mimics a grilled taste.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – These seasonings add layers of savory flavor.
- Dried rosemary – Optional, but adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional) – For an extra crunchy texture, you can roll the drumsticks in a light layer of panko before cooking.
Cooking from Frozen
One of the great things about this recipe is that it works perfectly with frozen chicken drumsticks. If you’re short on time, simply add 5–8 minutes to the total cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it run for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Dry the chicken: Use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier finish.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Oil the chicken: Drizzle avocado oil over the drumsticks and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Cook the drumsticks: Air fry at 380°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the meat tender.
Tips for the Best Results
- Preheat your air fryer: Starting with a hot basket helps get that crispy skin right from the beginning.
- Flip halfway through cooking: This ensures even browning and a consistent texture.
- Always pat the chicken dry: Moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
- Add BBQ sauce near the end: Brushing with BBQ sauce in the last 2–3 minutes gives it a smoky-sweet finish without burning.
- Use a panko coating: For extra crunch, roll the drumsticks in seasoned panko and spray with oil before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Experiment with seasonings: Try different blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, or Italian to customize the flavor.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Keep the cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the drumsticks in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Homemade Fries
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air Fryer Bacon
Final Thoughts
These air fryer chicken drumsticks are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking from fresh or frozen, the results are consistently delicious. With a little seasoning and some careful cooking, you can enjoy restaurant-quality chicken right at home.
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