Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Chicken legs are always a popular dinner option - especially if you have kids! So, the next time you're looking for an easy main dish for dinner, you have to try this air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe. Made with a combination of savory spices and a crispy skin on the outside, this flavorful chicken recipe will surely be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
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What Do I Need to Make This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks?
Thanks to its herb rub, this easy chicken recipe is flavorful. But you don't need a long list of ingredients to make it! You can prepare a delicious chicken dinner with just a handful of herbs and spices. To make your chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, you'll need:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Avocado oil
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried rosemary
How Do I Make This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?
Using your air fryer to cook chicken drumsticks is a great way to ensure each bite is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. And the best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make! All you have to do is follow these quick and easy steps for cooking your drumsticks in the air fryer:
Step One: Prepare the Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary. Whisk the ingredients together until they're well mixed
Step Two: Season the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the package and pat it dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick to the skin. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and toss to coat each drumstick in seasoning. Then, drizzle the chicken drumsticks with avocado oil and brush the oil over each piece to ensure all sides are evenly coated.
Step Three: Air Fry the Drumsticks
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook the chicken at 380 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time. When the chicken is finished cooking, please remove it from the air fryer basket and let the pieces rest for five minutes before serving.
How Do I Know My Chicken Drumsticks are Done?
The cook time of your chicken legs may vary depending on a few factors, including the type of air fryer you're using and the thickness of the drumsticks. Larger drumsticks may take longer to cook than smaller ones. Most chicken drumsticks are ready to eat after cooking for 20 to 25 minutes. But that cook time should only be used as a guide.
The best way to check the doneness of your drumsticks is to use a meat thermometer. Your chicken's internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees to be safe to eat.
How Do I Store Chicken Drumsticks?
Drumsticks make the perfect family-friendly dinner, meaning everyone will eat them right after you serve them! But if you have a few leftovers, you should store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat them again.
Transfer the cooled drumsticks to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat the chicken, cook it at 350 degrees in the air fryer or oven until they're heated through. Or warm them in the microwave until they're hot.
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken to Make Chicken in the Air Fryer?
The flavorful seasoning used in easy recipes can be used on any chicken cut! In addition to preparing drumsticks in the air fryer, you can also use the seasoning on:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- Chicken leg quarters
- Bone-in chicken breasts
- Chicken wings
And while the seasoning blend will work on any chicken cut, remember that different chicken cuts may take longer to cook in the air fryer. To cook different cuts of chicken, start by setting the air fryer to cook at 380 degrees and then use these cooking times as a guide:
- Thighs: 18 to 22 minutes
- Breasts (boneless): 16 to 18 minutes
- Breasts (bone-in): 25 to 30 minutes
- Leg quarters: 20 to 25 minutes
- Wings: 15 to 20 minutes
Air Fryer Drumsticks Cooking Tips
Using your air fryer is one of the best ways to cook drumsticks for your family! And with the help of these cooking tips and tricks, you'll be able to make this flavorful chicken dinner with ease.
- Try different spices. This basic spice combination is perfect for whipping up a flavorful batch of plain drumsticks. However, you can use these instructions to cook drumsticks in the air fryer using any seasoning blend. Make your chicken legs with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or a BBQ blend.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's important to ensure your chicken pieces aren't touching in the air fryer basket. That means it's better to cook your drumsticks in batches than overcrowd the basket with too many pieces because your air fryer needs space for the air to flow properly around the chicken.
What to eat with Chicken Drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks are a versatile favorite for many home cooks. Whether you're grilling, baking, or air-frying them, the right side dishes can make all the difference. Here's a curated list of delicious accompaniments to elevate your chicken drumstick meal.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Drumsticks
Classic Sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that complements the savory flavors of chicken drumsticks.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and refreshing coleslaw balances the flavors by providing a nice contrast to the richness of chicken drumsticks.
Healthy Options:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are great choices. They are light and nutritious and don't overpower the main dish.
- Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein and fiber, a quinoa salad with fresh veggies and a light dressing is a wholesome side.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is healthy and absorbs flavors well.
Flavorful Additions:
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant grilled perfectly add a smoky, flavorful dimension to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is a delicious side that's hard to resist
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of chicken drumsticks.
Creative Twists
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous with herbs and spices is a versatile side that can be easily customized to your taste.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries and add a fun twist to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and cheese provide a colorful and filling side dish.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well mixed
- Remove the chicken from the package and pat it dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick to the skin. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and toss to coat each drumstick in seasoning.
- Then, drizzle the chicken drumsticks with avocado oil and brush the oil over each piece to ensure all sides are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook the chicken at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- When the chicken is finished cooking, please remove it from the air fryer basket and let the pieces rest for five minutes before serving.
