Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
There’s something so satisfying about grabbing a chicken drumstick, taking that first bite, and getting the perfect crunch. For years, satisfying that “fried chicken” craving meant dealing with messy hot oil or waiting an hour for oven-roasted drumsticks that never came out crispy enough.
Enter the air fryer. This gadget is perfect for drumsticks, using hot air to crisp the skin to perfection while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It’s faster than the oven, cleaner than deep-frying, and honestly? It tastes better than both.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner the kids will love or prepping for game day, these drumsticks are about to become your go-to. Packed with smoky, savory flavor and requiring almost no effort, it’s time to get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
We are using a robust blend of spices here to give these drumsticks a deep, savory flavor profile. The smoked paprika is the star, adding a subtle BBQ-like taste without the sauce.
- 7 chicken drumsticks: This usually fits perfectly in a standard air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil: We love avocado oil for air frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Gives that beautiful red color and smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the flavor of the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little bit of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory, umami kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because is it really dinner without garlic?
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a nice earthy, herbal note that balances the smokiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The secret to crispy skin is removing moisture. Don’t skip the drying step—it makes all the difference between “steamed” chicken and “roasted” chicken.
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Let it run for about 5 minutes. You want that basket nice and hot so the chicken starts searing the moment it hits the surface.
2. The Crucial Drying Step
While the air fryer heats up, take your chicken drumsticks out of the package. Using paper towels, pat each drumstick completely dry. You want to remove as much surface moisture as possible. If the skin is wet, it won’t crisp up properly.
3. Season Generously
Place your dried drumsticks into a large bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary directly onto the chicken.
4. Oil and Toss
Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over the seasoned chicken. Now, get in there with your hands (or tongs) and toss everything together. Rub the seasoning and oil into the meat to ensure every inch of every drumstick is evenly coated. This oil coating conducts the heat and helps the spices adhere.
5. Arrange in the Basket
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Make sure there is a little bit of space between each piece so the hot air can circulate freely. If they are touching or stacked, the sides won’t get crispy.
6. Roast to Perfection
Cook the drumsticks at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
About halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-12 minute mark), open the basket and flip the drumsticks over. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
7. Check for Doneness
The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown. To be safe, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone). It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist. Serve them hot!
Spice It Up: Customizing Your Rub
This smoked paprika and rosemary blend is a winner, but chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices in your pantry.
- Go Cajun: Swap the rosemary and smoked paprika for a pre-mixed Cajun seasoning for a spicy, Southern kick.
- Lemon Pepper: Use lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder for a zesty, bright flavor profile.
- BBQ Style: Use a dry BBQ rub before cooking, and then brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the drumsticks during the last 2 minutes of air frying. This caramelizes the sauce without burning it.
- Simple & Classic: Sometimes just sea salt, cracked pepper, and a little oregano is all you need.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with these crispy delights? Since the air fryer is occupied, these sides work great:
- Corn on the Cob: A classic pairing for a finger-food dinner.
- Coleslaw: The cool crunch of coleslaw balances the savory heat of the chicken perfectly.
- Roasted Potatoes: If you have a second air fryer (or cook in batches), seasoned wedges are a natural fit.
- Fresh Green Salad: Keep it light with a simple vinaigrette salad to cut through the richness of the dark meat.
Give this recipe a try next time you’re stuck on what to make for dinner. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or a deep fryer to make chicken that tastes amazing. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 7 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin to become crispy.
- In a large bowl, add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary to the chicken drumsticks.
- Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with avocado oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
- Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 380F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different spice blends to suit your taste preferences.
- You can try variations with cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a BBQ rub.
