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. 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.
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.
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. “This is a great recipe. I’ve used it and shared it multiple times. Perfect every time. Thank you!!” – Bonnie 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.
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. 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.
Stuffed baked potatoes Healthy pasta salad Japanese potato salad 2-ingredient biscuits Or any of my side dish recipes
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
More air fryer favorites to try
Air fryer pork chops Air fryer salmon Air fryer coconut shrimp Air fryer shrimp
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished July 2024
