Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish Gather the ingredients for crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks. You will need eight chicken drumsticks, which provide great flavor and texture. Olive oil adds moisture and helps the spices stick. The garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor significantly. Smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky taste, while oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper for a kick. Finally, fresh parsley makes a beautiful garnish. Having these ingredients ready will set you up for success, making your cooking process smooth and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes. Preheating helps make the chicken skin crispy. If you skip this step, the chicken might not cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Stir well to combine. This mix gives the chicken a tasty kick. Add the 8 chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the spice mix. Toss them until each drumstick is coated evenly. Make sure every piece gets some spice. This step is key for great flavor. Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Once the drumsticks are done, take them out and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright touch. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks! To get that perfect crispy skin, follow a few smart tips. First, I always preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key for crispiness. Next, I use olive oil for coating the drumsticks. It's great for flavor and helps the skin crisp up nicely. One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. When you put too many drumsticks in, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave some space. Another common issue is not preheating the air fryer. Skipping this makes it harder to get that crispy texture. To spice things up, I love adding marinades or extra spices. Try mixing in some hot sauce or a splash of soy sauce for a kick. For side dishes, I recommend serving the drumsticks with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies. These pair well and add color to your plate. Pro Tips Brining for Juiciness: Soak the chicken drumsticks in a saltwater brine for a few hours before cooking. This helps to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allow the drumsticks to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to personalize the spice mix. Adding different herbs or spices like cumin or chili powder can create unique flavor profiles. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors of your crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the spice mix. This heat level can suit your taste. If you love herbs, try an herb-crusted version. Use dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. The herbs will add great depth and aroma to your dish. While the air fryer gives you that crispy skin, you can also bake these drumsticks. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. If you want to grill, this is great for summer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, turning often, until they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Dipping sauces can really elevate your meal. Try honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. These flavors pair well with the crispy chicken. You can also serve drumsticks with sides like a fresh salad or roasted veggies. These add color and nutrition to your plate. Enjoy your meal with family or friends for a fun dinner! To keep your leftover drumsticks fresh, refrigerate them promptly. Place the drumsticks in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay good for up to four days in the fridge. For the best results, reheat your drumsticks in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy and juicy. You can also use a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you want to save your drumsticks for later, freezing works great. Allow them to cool completely first. Then, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the drumsticks in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place them in a sealed bag under cold water. Then, reheat as described above for the best taste and texture. Cook chicken drumsticks for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. To check for crispiness, look for golden skin. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks. Increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. Check them often to make sure they cook through. You may need to add a few extra minutes to get that crispy skin. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with: - Mashed potatoes - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Green beans - A fresh salad For drinks, iced tea or lemonade work great. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer to make sure. The juices should run clear, and the skin should look crispy and golden. You learned how to make delicious air fryer chicken drumsticks. Choosing the right spices and cooking them properly gives great flavor and texture. Remember to preheat the air fryer for crispiness and avoid overcrowding. Weekend meals can be easy and fun with this recipe. Try different spices and sides to keep things exciting. You'll enjoy this dish time and again. Cooking should be simple and tasty!$

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously crispy chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste none Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them in the spice mixture until well coated. Make sure every piece is evenly seasoned.
Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
Air fry the chicken drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
Once done, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Cayenne pepper is optional for added heat.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, drumsticks