If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that delivers crispy chicken legs with juicy meat, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a must-try. This is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights when we all want some delicious food, but I don’t want to spend a long time making it.
This air fryer chicken legs recipe creates a simple meal of drumsticks with flavorful, crispy skin with minimal effort. The hot air of the air fryer ovens cooks the dark meat to perfection, giving you the best results every time!
Whether you’re making these drumsticks for the first time or perfecting your technique, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit. Ready to level up? Try experimenting with different spices like cayenne pepper, brown sugar, or a spice mixture to create your own signature flavor! Keep reading for more tips & tricks about making this recipe perfect for you.
Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes! This air fryer chicken recipes method works well for air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the pieces. If you’re air frying an entire chicken that’s definitely possible but works a bit differently- keep an eye out for that recipe coming soon!
Do I need to pat the chicken dry before cooking?
Yes! I can’t stress enough how important this step is. Removing excess moisture with a paper towel is essential for crispy chicken legs. This helps the skin to crisp up properly in the hot air circulation of the air fryer. If you skip this step, the seasonings will likely clump up and the skin will be chewy. Please dry your chicken! {But DON’T wash it!!}
Should I coat the air fryer basket with oil?
Sometimes that’s helpful when using an air fryer to help prevent sticking, but in this case it’s not necessary since the drumsticks are coated in oil.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
They shouldn’t be frozen when you make them. It’s easier to use fresh ones so you can skip a step, but if you already have a freezer full of wings you can use them but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
What if my drumsticks aren’t crispy enough?
If you want extra crispy chicken drumsticks, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking.
What sides go well with air fryer chicken drumsticks?
These air-fried chicken drumsticks pair well with French fries, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
What sauces pair best with these drumsticks?
For extra flavor, try serving with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a classic hot sauce. You can either baste these on after they’re done cooking or serve them as a dip on the side!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover drumsticks?
For the best results, reheat in the air fryer basket at 350°F for about 5 minutes to keep the chicken skin crispy.
What supplies do you need to make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks?
To make this air fryer chicken, you’ll need:
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- Air fryer: A basket-style or oven-style air fryer for cooking the drumsticks
- Large bowl: For mixing the chicken with seasonings and oil
- Small bowl: To mix dry spices or marinades
- Paper towels: To pat the chicken dry and remove excess moisture
- Tongs: For flipping the drumsticks during cooking
- Measuring spoons: To measure seasonings accurately
- Instant-read thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken
Step by Step Guide
Ready to cook? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!
Preheat air fryer: Set your preheated air fryer to 380°F (degrees F) for about 5 minutes.
Pat dry the drumsticks: Use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the raw chicken—this helps create crispy chicken drumsticks.
Season the drumsticks: In a large bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Coat the chicken evenly.
Add oil: Drizzle the drumsticks with avocado oil and mix well to ensure even coverage.
Arrange in the air fryer: Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious chicken recipes? Try these:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
- Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki Tacos
- Chicken Egg Roll Bites
- Pressure Cooker Honey & Garlic Chicken Thighs
Or try these air fryer recipes!
- Air Fryer Rib Eye Steaks
- Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Donuts
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- Air Fryer Donut Bites Made with Biscuit Dough
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or a quick family meal!
Ingredients
- • 7 chicken drumsticks
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 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.
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