Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken Legs) are a fast and foolproof weeknight dinner hero. This 14-minute recipe transforms basic chicken legs into a crave-worthy, juicy main.

With bold seasoning and a clever ingredient for crunch, this dish delivers restaurant-style results right from your kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and irresistibly crispy every single time.

What You’ll Need to Make These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks – Meaty, flavorful, and perfect for the air fryer; their natural juiciness shines through when crisped to perfection.
Baking powder – The not-so-secret secret to ultra-crispy skin. It works its magic by drawing out moisture for a golden finish.
Smoked paprika – Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
Italian seasoning – A fragrant blend that brings herbal balance and complexity to the spice mix.
Garlic powder – Infuses a savory base note that complements the other seasonings beautifully.
Onion powder – Subtly sweet and earthy, it rounds out the flavor profile.
Brown sugar – Just a touch adds caramelized notes that contrast deliciously with the spices.
Olive oil – Helps bind the spice mix to the chicken and promotes a beautifully crisp texture.

Crispy Perfection in Minutes: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) so it’s ready to sear those drumsticks to crisp-tender glory.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl to create a powerhouse seasoning blend. Pat the chicken legs dry—this step is key—then coat them thoroughly in the seasoning before drizzling on olive oil.

Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, and continue for another 6–8 minutes until they’re sizzling, golden, and fully cooked through.

Let them rest for a moment, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.

Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations

For the crispiest skin, make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning—moisture is the enemy of crunch. Using baking powder instead of baking soda is essential, as it changes the pH level of the skin to help it brown better and become extra crispy.

Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix. For a smoky BBQ twist, swap Italian seasoning for a barbecue rub and finish with a light glaze of your favorite BBQ sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

To make this recipe low-carb, simply omit the brown sugar. The flavor will still be bold, smoky, and incredibly satisfying.

Leftovers? Here’s How to Keep Them Tasting Fresh

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. These drumsticks hold up well, making them great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave for a quick option or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that crispy finish.