Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Meat

crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender chicken drumsticks cooked quickly in an air fryer. Perfect for weeknights, it uses simple pantry ingredients and a methodical drying and seasoning process for the best results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds or 900 grams), skin on, fresh or thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly. (2 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the drumsticks and toss again until evenly coated. (3 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and run empty for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. (1 minute)
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Halfway through, flip each drumstick using tongs for even cooking. (12 minutes)
  7. Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add 2-3 extra minutes for extra crunch if desired, watching closely to avoid burning. (10-12 minutes)
  8. Remove the drumsticks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model. For extra crunch, add 2-3 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat/