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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Try these juicy, tender air fryer chicken drumsticks for the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! Skip the oven, and forget frying – cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer crisps up the skin while locking in the natural juices, for insanely juicy chicken with irresistibly crispy skin. Bonus: they’re ready in under 30 minutes.

Air fryer chicken drumsticks on a white plate.

Why you’ll love air fryer chicken drumsticks

  • They are quick and easy to make, and a great way to get a delicious meal on the table when you’re short on time.
  • Air frying drumsticks gives them a golden crispy skin, while keeping them insanely juicy on the inside.
  • They make the perfect party appetizer or easy family weeknight meal.
Crispy chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.

Scroll down for the printable card for this air fryer chicken drumstick recipe, or read on for all the details!

What do you need?

Ingredients for this chicken drumsticks air fryer recipe.

Quantities for all ingredients are given in the recipe card below.

Chicken drumsticks

Use skin-on drumsticks as this will give you crispier results, and plan for around 2 chicken legs per serving.

The recipe below uses fresh (thawed) chicken drumsticks. You can also use frozen drumsticks, though the cook time will be longer, and be sure to confirm that the internal temperature has reached the safe temperature of 165°F/74°C or higher before consuming.

Oil

I normally use light olive oil, but any cooking oil with a high smoke point will work. Try avocado oil or vegetable oil.

You can vary the amount of oil according to your preference. Just use a light spritz of oil for a healthier version, or add a little extra if you want extra crispy chicken drumsticks.

Tip

Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of your air fryer smoking.

Seasoning

The recipe below uses a simple homemade seasoning mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

You can also use a store-bought seasoning mix, a dry rub, a marinade, or just some sauce (see more details in the Variations section below).

Some spices we like to use for this recipe include:

  • Cajun seasoning
  • A simple marinade made from sweet chili sauce, lime juice and soy sauce
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • BBQ sauce
  • Honey and soy sauce
  • Paprika and cayenne pepper

How to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

This recipe is very straightforward to make, there are just a few simple steps to getting it just right:

  1. Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. If you want to get the chicken really crispy it is important to pat it dry before you add the oil – an essential step if you want really crispy skin.
  2. Season the chicken legs. Mix the seasoning ingredients and oil in a large bowl, then add the drumsticks and toss to ensure that each chicken leg is thoroughly coated. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a large ziplock bag as it is easier to ensure each drumstick is well covered in the oil and seasoning.
Chicken drumsticks being tossed in oil and seasoning.
  1. Arrange chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket: Place the drumsticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensure they are not touching. If your air fryer is prone to sticking, try giving the basket a quick spritz with olive oil before adding the food.
Uncooked chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.
  1. Air fry chicken drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. See below for more on cooking times.
Air fried chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

When the cooking time is up, check the temperature with a digital meat thermometer – insert it into the thickest part of the largest drumstick. The internal temperature should read at least 165°F / 74°C.

Tips and variations

  • For ultra-crispy skin – add 2-3 teaspoons of baking powder to the seasoning mix. The baking powder helps dehydrate the skin, resulting in a remarkably crispy texture.
  • Marinated Chicken – For extra flavorful drumsticks, marinate over night prior to cooking instead of using a dry rub. Great marinades include Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and herbs or soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and ginger.
  • Baste with BBQ Sauce – During the last 5 minutes of cook time, brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the drumsticks to let the sauce tack up into a glaze. Apply more sauce once removed if desired.
  • Seasoning Ideas – try using Cajun seasoning, taco spice mix, Italian dressing mix, or spice blends like lemon pepper or ranch to customize this recipe to your taste.
Air fried chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air fried chicken drumsticks on a white plate.

Serving ideas

Serve drumsticks with fries and a salad for a popular family dinner, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. Try:

  • buffalo sauce
  • hot sauce
  • BBQ sauce
  • Ranch dressing

Storage and reheating

Store any leftover air fryer drumsticks in an air-tight container in the fridge, and use within 3 days.

You can reheat the drumsticks in the air fryer. Place the leftover chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5-10 minutes until least 165°F / 74°C in the center.

Air fryer chicken drumsticks on a white plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

4.6 from 44 votes
Try these juicy, tender air fryer chicken drumsticks for the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! Cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer crisps up the skin while locking in the natural juices, for insanely juicy chicken with irresistibly crispy skin.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Serves3 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken drumsticks approx 1kg/ 2.2lb
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Preheat air fryer to 360°F/ 180°C.
  • Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel.
  • Mix the seasoning ingredients and oil in a large shallow bowl, then add the drumsticks and toss to ensure that each chicken leg is thoroughly coated [Note 1].
  • Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and ensure they are not touching [Note 2].
  • Air fry chicken drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time [Note 3]. Check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached 165°F / 74°C or higher in the center of the thickest drumstick.

Notes

  1. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a large ziplock bag as it is easier to ensure each drumstick is well covered in the oil and seasoning.
  2. If food tends to stick to your air fryer, give the basket a quick spritz with olive oil before adding the drumsticks.
  3. Flipping is recommended even for air fryers that state they do not require food to be flipped, as it helps to keep the chicken juicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1  Calories: 338.6kcal  Carbohydrates: 3.4g  Protein: 27.3g  Fat: 23.7g  Saturated Fat: 5g  Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.1g  Monounsaturated Fat: 12.5g  Trans Fat: 0.1g  Cholesterol: 139.3mg  Sodium: 548.4mg  Potassium: 418.3mg  Fiber: 1.1g  Sugar: 0.3g  Vitamin A: 1056.6IU  Vitamin C: 0.2mg  Calcium: 25.7mg  Iron: 1.6mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.

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Welcome to Love Food Not Cooking!

I’m Eliza, busy mom, home cook, and blogger. My goal is to help everyone cook good food, whether you lack time, skills, or motivation, there is something here for you! We have dozens of quick and easy recipes made using everyday ingredients for delicious meals your family will love!
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