Cooking juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks in the air fryer has never been easier! This recipe delivers crispy, perfectly seasoned drumsticks.
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—these golden brown air fryer chicken drumsticks are just what you need on a busy weeknight. The air fryer does all the work, giving you that irresistible, crispy skin without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Serving Size: 5 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing until each drumstick is evenly coated.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
Air fry at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.
Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use different spices in the marinade?
Yes! You can customize the seasoning by adding cumin, regular paprika, rosemary, or chili powder for extra flavor.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispier skin, but it’s not mandatory. However, it can reduce overall cooking time.
3. How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the juices run clear.
4. Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time?
Yes! Store cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
5. What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer drumsticks?
These chicken drumsticks go great with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing until each drumstick is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
