Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

This air fryer chicken drumstick recipe has become my secret weapon for busy weeknight dinners when I need something delicious without the fuss. The combination of crispy skin and juicy meat makes these drumsticks irresistible to everyone at my table.

I discovered this cooking method during a summer heatwave when I refused to turn on my oven. My family now requests these drumsticks weekly, and I love how easily I can customize the seasonings based on what flavors we're craving.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks with skin on: essential for achieving that crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy
• Olive oil: helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even browning
• Baking powder: the secret ingredient that creates extra crispy skin by drawing out moisture
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat
• Garlic powder: adds depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic would have
• Paprika: contributes beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor
• Black pepper: provides a gentle heat that complements the chicken perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Oil Coating:

Begin by thoroughly coating your drumsticks with one tablespoon of olive oil using your hands to ensure every inch is covered. This creates the foundation for your seasonings to stick and helps achieve that golden exterior.

Seasoning Mixture:

Combine baking powder, pepper, garlic powder, salt and paprika in a bowl, mixing well to integrate all spices evenly. The baking powder is crucial here as it creates microscopic bubbles on the chicken skin that lead to maximum crispiness.

Season the Chicken:

Toss drumsticks in the seasoning mix until uniformly coated, then brush the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tops. This final oil layer helps the drumsticks develop that beautiful golden brown color in the air fryer.

Air Frying:

Arrange drumsticks in your air fryer basket with space between each piece allowing for proper air circulation. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crackling crisp.

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The baking powder in this recipe is truly transformative. I once made these without it when I ran out, and while they were good, they lacked that shatteringly crisp exterior that makes everyone reach for seconds. My son now specifically asks for the "crunchy chicken," and I love watching his face light up with each bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the skin won't stay quite as crispy, the flavor remains excellent. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 minutes until warmed through. This revives some of the crispiness without drying out the meat.

Customizable Seasonings

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different flavor profiles. Keep the baking powder constant but experiment with seasonings to create variety. Try Italian herbs with a bit of lemon zest for a Mediterranean twist, or add cayenne and smoked paprika for a spicy kick. My family enjoys a version with cumin, coriander and lime zest that reminds us of our favorite taco flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These drumsticks pair beautifully with simple sides that let them shine. I often serve them with a crisp green salad and roasted potatoes that I can also make in the air fryer. For a complete meal with minimal effort, consider serving alongside coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even a quick rice pilaf. The versatility means they work equally well for casual family dinners or when entertaining friends.

Temperature Guide

The key to perfectly cooked chicken is reaching the right internal temperature without overcooking. Use an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone. The safe temperature for chicken is 165°F, but I find pulling them at 160°F and letting them rest for five minutes allows carryover cooking to finish the job while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.

Common Queries

→ How do I achieve crispy skin on chicken drumsticks in the air fryer?

Pat drumsticks dry, coat with olive oil, and toss with baking powder and seasonings. Air frying at high temperature helps render fat and creates crisp skin.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is optional but recommended for even cooking and best texture. Most models heat up quickly, making the process efficient.

→ Can I use boneless chicken for this method?

This method is tailored for bone-in drumsticks. Adjust cook times if using boneless pieces, as they may cook faster and risk drying out.

→ What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to experiment—try adding cayenne, smoked paprika, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to vary flavor profiles.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate cooled drumsticks in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore some crispiness.