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My air fryer chicken drumstick recipe uses a simple seasoning blend to yield the crispiest skin and juicy meat. Best of all, it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
I never tire of using my air fryer, especially when I need a foolproof weeknight dinner on the table, STAT.
That’s where recipes like my air fryer chicken drumsticks come in. They couldn’t be easier to make, yet they have the perfect crackling exterior while the inside remains moist and juicy.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and easy. The entire recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make.
- Use chicken drumsticks OR legs. You can use either interchangeably.
- Tender and juicy. I use a secret ingredient, guaranteeing that the chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy and full of flavor.
- Healthy. Unlike fried chicken drumsticks or legs, these use barely any oil and have a fraction of the calories.
Need more chicken air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken tenderloins, and air fryer frozen chicken wings next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This is a great recipe. I’ve used it and shared it multiple times. Perfect every time. Thank you!!” – Bonnie
Ingredients needed
- Chicken drumsticks. Also known as chicken legs, choose cuts of chicken with skin for that gorgeous crispy exterior.
- Oil. I used olive oil, but any oil will work.
- Seasonings-.You’ll need smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar (or a brown sugar substitute).
- Baking powder. My secret ingredient that guarantees a crispy exterior and juicy middles.
How to make air fryer chicken drumsticks
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
Step 2- season the chicken: Take a small bowl, add all the spices and mix them well. Pat dry the chicken drumsticks entirely before tossing them in the spice mixture. Drizzle with the oil.
Step 3- cook in the air fryer: Add a single layer of the chicken drumsticks to the air fryer basket and cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
No air fryer? No problem!
Easily bake the chicken drumsticks instead of the air fryer.
To make: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F and prepare the chicken as instructed. Line them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- If you use bone-in chicken legs, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165F to know when the chicken is fully cooked.
- Cook them in batches. So the air fryer basket doesn’t get overcrowded and the chicken stays crisp.
- Let the chicken rest. For extra juicy chicken, lightly tent the drumsticks in aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sauce it up. Douse the chicken in sugar-free BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinade the chicken with my chicken drumstick marinade.
What to serve with this dish
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze: Air fryer chicken drumsticks can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Either microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer until crispy.
Frequently asked questions
It’s not recommended to wash chicken before cooking it because the bacteria in raw meat can transfer to utensils and other food items in the kitchen.
Yes, you can do this, but if you want the chicken skin to be crisper, it’s recommended to cook it in contact with the hot air fryer basket.
Both work, but I prefer using the air fryer for convenience, ease, and time. It cooks the chicken quickly and makes it more crispy.
More air fryer favorites to try
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken legs)
Video
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- In a small bowl, add the baking powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, and mix well.
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks. Toss the drumsticks through the spice mix then drizzle the oil all over.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished July 2024
Simply put, these are outstanding air fryer chicken drumsticks, the best I’ve ever done in my Ninja CRISPi air fryer. 😋 Served them with a side of coleslaw and cold beer 🍺
This is probably the best chicken drumstick recipe I have tried. I’ve made it 3 times this week. The skin isnt rubbery but tastey. The meat is juicy.
You are so welcome, Boots!
Great flavor, but you need to add salt
Great recipient when you are in hurry but want flavor!!!!