These air fryer chicken drumsticks are perfectly crunchy, juicy, and cook in just 20 minutes. It's the best quick and easy recipe for tender drumsticks with no breading being necessary.
Air fryer chicken drumsticks
Do you love tender and juicy chicken drumsticks that are flavorful with the best crunchy texture on the outside while remaining tender on the inside?
Yes? Okay, great. Me too!
And these drumsticks sure do deliver. I love that I can throw together the dry rub very quickly and have protein ready in 20 minutes.
It makes weeknight meal planning a breeze.
I have been using my air fryer to heat up leftovers, too. That thing is such a time saver, and I love how easy clean up becomes.
What to serve with air fryer drumsticks
I like pairing drumsticks with creamy potato salad
or
They are also fantastic alongside a salad like my gluten free pasta salad or crunchy broccoli slaw.
They'd really be great with any side dish or vegetable. The flavors coming from the herbs are very versatile, so lots of pairing would work well alongside them.
How to make air fryer chicken drumsticks
In a small bowl, combine all of the herbs and spices. Set aside.
Place drumsticks in a gallon Ziploc bag and drizzle with oil, and toss to combine and coat fully. Add the herbs/spices and toss to coat them again.
Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil, and preheat air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
Place drumsticks in air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Remove basket and flip chicken drumsticks.
Cook at 400 degrees for another 10 minutes or until internal chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
*This will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks.*
If chicken is not 165 degrees internally, add another 3-5 minutes of cooking time. Serve immediately.
Helpful tips & tricks
- Be sure to place drumsticks in a single layer without any overlapping to ensure for proper crisp and even cooking.
- Use a digital thermometer to check internal temperature of chicken.
- Feel free to use bone-in chicken thighs instead, but you will need to adjust cooking time. They will take an extra 4-5 minutes total.
Reheat drumsticks in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Love these chicken drumsticks? Check out other popular chicken recipes:
The Best Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
One Pan Creamy Chicken Piccata
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
One Pan Southwest Chicken and Rice
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the herbs and spices. Set aside.
- Place drumsticks in a gallon Ziploc bag and drizzle with oil, and toss to combine and coat fully. Add the herbs/spices and toss to coat them again.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil, and preheat air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
- Place drumsticks in air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Remove basket and flip chicken drumsticks.
- Cook at 400 degrees for another 10 minutes or until internal chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. *This will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks.*
- If chicken is not 165 degrees internally, add another 3-5 minutes of cooking time. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs may be substituted for the drumsticks. Be sure to add about 5 minutes total of extra cooking time.
- Be sure to use a digital meat thermometer to ensure chicken internal temp reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Reheat chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350F
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