Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried chicken. The air fryer ensures crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. With a simple seasoning mix and minimal prep time, this recipe will become a go-to for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for extra spice
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
3. Season the Drumsticks:
- Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the drumsticks, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
5. Cook the Drumsticks:
- Air fry the drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Extra Crispy Skin: Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Marinate Ahead: For more flavor, marinate the drumsticks in your favorite seasoning blend or sauce for 1–2 hours before air frying.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it came straight out of the oven or deep fryer. Give this recipe a try and make it a staple in your kitchen!
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Make perfectly crispy and juicy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful dinner or meal prep.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for extra spice
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Drumsticks:
- Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the drumsticks, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Cook the Drumsticks:
- Air fry the drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
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