Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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5 from 735 votes
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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!

Need more chicken air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken tenderloins, and air fryer chicken wings next. 

air fryer chicken drumsticks.

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
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make air fryer chicken drumsticks
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions 
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More air fryer favorites to try
  8. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken legs) (Recipe Card)

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.

★★★★★ 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. 

chicken drumsticks in air fryer.

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

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. 

chicken drumsticks air fryer.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wash my chicken before cooking it?

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.  

Can you stand drumsticks up in the air fryer?

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. 

Is it better to air fry or bake chicken?

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

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken legs)

5 from 735 votes
These air fryer chicken drumsticks works with chicken legs too, and take less than 14 minutes to cook! A secret ingredient guarantees the chicken is crispy on the outside and extra juicy every single time. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 6 drumsticks
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 13 minutes
Total: 14 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

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

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.
TO REHEAT: Either microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer until crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drumstickCalories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSodium: 221mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published May 2022, updated and republished July 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    It took longer to get done but tastes wonderful, I think I added 7 more minutes? I’ll continue using this recipe. I have a 3 quart air fryer though, not sure if that affects times?

  2. 5 stars
    It took longer to get done but tastes wonderful, I think I added 7 more minutes? I’ll continue using this recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    Thank you Arman for a wonderful and easy air fryer recipe. The drumsticks were perfectly juicy and delicious yet crispy on the outside.
    I usually season my drumsticks some savory seasonings such as season salt, chicken powder flavoring and black pepper and let them sit overnight before grilling or air frying. Your recipe took it to the next level.
    I do find it unusual that your recipe doesn’t include any salt whatsoever. I will continue first using a dry rub on my drumsticks when making your recipe.

  4. 5 stars
    OMG THIS RECIPE! I only used 1/2 tsp brown sugar and added 1/2 tsp salt, as others have suggested, and cooked for a couple minutes longer (extra crispy!). THE BEST IVE HAD!!! I did let it rest a good 10 min in the air fryer with the drawer cracked and it dried out the skin to prefect crispiness. My 6 year old asked for seconds and didn’t eat her pasta (which is huge, since her Italian Nana has fed her enough pasta to turn her blood into noodles!). Thank you!!!

  5. 5 stars
    I really liked the seasoning on these and they turned out crispy and juicy on the inside. Even better, I didn’t have to heat up the kitchen!

  6. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved these, so easy to make. I couldn’t fit them all in my little air fryer, so I cooked them in the convection oven.

  7. 5 stars
    I made this in my air fryer and they turned out great. It was a easy meal to make. I am just getting used to my air fryer and don’t have many recipes yet.

    1. 5 stars
      These are truly the best air fryer chicken drumsticks ever. The only way I’ll cook chicken legs moving forward.

  8. 5 stars
    Tasty! I used the taco seasoning. And messed up by removing the skins from the drumsticks (misread the recipe). I will make these asgain!

  9. 5 stars
    Loved this recipe!

    I was initialed concerned the spice mix was not enough. However, it is plenty.

    This spice mix would be great on chicken wings too!

    I did add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash lemon pepper

  10. 5 stars
    I don’t often leave comments for recipes I’ve tried but this one is exceptional! I did add some salt after reading the other comments and it turned out great. I’m looking forward to seeing more recipes from you!

  11. 5 stars
    This recipe turned out well. It was simple and easy to follow. I added 1/2 tsp salt and omitted the onion powder because I didn’t have any on hand and it was still very good – both my husband and daughter liked it. It was only my second time using an air fryer and the first time cooking meat in it. I will likely be checking out more of your recipes in the future as they seem to use clean ingredients. (Next time I might try substituting coconut sugar or maple sugar for the brown sugar).

  12. 5 stars
    Very good, the smoked paprika gives it a little bit of a barbecue flavor. I did have to add a little salt for my own taste after cooking, will plan to add it to seasonings at the beginning next .

  13. 5 stars
    This is a great recipe. I’ve used it and shared it multiple times. Currently using it on thighs. Just need to add to the cooking time. Perfect every time. Thank you!!

  14. 5 stars
    This recipe is delicious! I love this spice blend. I’ve made it several times and it’s always a big hit with my family. Even my husband likes them and he can be picky. Thank you for sharing!

  15. 5 stars
    If using chicken legs instead of drumsticks, how would you adjust the cook time? I’m new to air frying.

    1. Hi! I’d increase the cooking time by 2 minutes or so- Always use a meat thermometer to check (I suggest removing the chicken once it reaches 160F and let it rest for 5 minutes).

  16. 5 stars
    Should the baking powder be mixed with the seasonings or does the chicken have to be tossed in it before tossing in the spices?

    1. 5 stars
      You didn’t say what to do with the baking Powder ? It’s not a spice I figured it out. Good Recipe will make again Thanks

  17. 5 stars
    Great recipe— Also most cooks don’t have Italian Seasoning. Why not tell us how much oregano.. etc you prefer.

  18. My family really liked this recipe. My drumsticks were bigger so I had to cook them for an additional 10 minutes. We will be doing this one again! Thank you!

  19. 5 stars
    Perfect! Crispy skin and super-juicy meat! I did 8 mins on first side and 6 mins on other side, and these were pretty hefty drumsticks, but they still cooked all the way through.

  20. The simplest and yet the best air fried chicken recipe I have tried.This is the best chicken! I did take the suggestion of yours and cooked them just a few minutes longer on each side. They are juicy, crispy and flavorful! Thank you for the recipe!

    1. 5 stars
      Great recipe— Also most cooks don’t have Italian Seasoning. Why not tell us how much oregano.. etc you prefer.

  21. I haven’t gotten any of your recipes since May and I loved getting the healthy makeovers. Please send me some more recipes.

  22. 5 stars
    Delicious! Easy to put together; as soon as you walk in the door of the house and smell this – you are hungry. My college son called me and told me he bought everything and made this for dinner (after I posted it on fb; he took the leftovers for lunch at work – He said it was terrific)

  23. 5 stars
    Delicious! Chicken breasts are so expensive right now. When your recipe hit my inbox a few days ago, I decided this would be a fun change up for our meal. We rarely eat drumsticks. This smells delicious, and is so easy to put together. I bought a large package of drumsticks at SAMS for $5, we are having this with a loaded baked potato and a salad. I appreciate you taking the time to share this. Thank you from this family in Indiana!