Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this no-fuss dish delivers flavor in every bite.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a 30-minute total time, Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks make weeknight meals feel indulgent without the effort or cleanup of traditional frying.
What You’ll Need for These Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Chicken drumsticks – Skin-on drumsticks provide juicy meat and a crispy, golden exterior that’s irresistible when air fried.
- Olive oil – Helps bind the seasonings and encourages browning, ensuring a rich, golden crust.
- Baking powder – The secret ingredient for that extra-crispy texture without deep frying.
- Garlic powder – Adds deep, savory flavor that penetrates the chicken with every bite.
- Paprika – Brings mild smokiness and a vibrant color to the finished dish.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning blend.
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth, customizable to taste.
Quick & Easy Steps to Crispy Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer
Begin by massaging the drumsticks with olive oil, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Combine the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then toss with the chicken until evenly seasoned.
Brush the tops of the drumsticks with the remaining olive oil to enhance crispiness as they cook.
Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then continue for another 10 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Serve hot, straight from the fryer, with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Get the Most Out of Your Drumsticks: Tips & Flavor Twists
For drumsticks that are extra crispy, don’t skip the baking powder—it’s a game-changer. Let the seasoned drumsticks rest for five minutes before air frying to allow the coating to adhere better.
Want to mix things up? Swap out paprika for smoked paprika or cayenne if you like heat. A touch of lemon zest or dried herbs like thyme or oregano can add a Mediterranean twist. For a kid-friendly version, skip the pepper and serve with honey mustard or ranch.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Keeping It Crispy: How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Let leftover drumsticks cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crispy exterior.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each drumstick individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 8 skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Coat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly using 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a separate mixing bowl, combine baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika to create the dry seasoning blend. Evenly toss the oiled drumsticks in the mixed spices until well coated. Brush the tops of the seasoned drumsticks with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Turn the drumsticks over and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Once cooked through and golden brown, remove promptly and serve hot.
