Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: First things first, we need to get our chicken drumsticks ready. Grab some paper towels and pat the drumsticks dry. This is a crucial step because moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Trust me on this one!Season the Chicken: Now for the fun part! Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick and also contributes to the crispy skin. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over all sides of the drumsticks, ensuring they’re well coated. I like to use my hands to really rub it in.Preheat the Air Fryer: While you’re seasoning the chicken, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating is important for even cooking and optimal crispiness. Mix the Seasonings: Next, in a small bowl, combine all those wonderful spices we talked about earlier: the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Cook for 15 minutes.
Flip and Finish: After 15 minutes, flip the drumsticks over. This ensures both sides get beautifully golden brown. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Rest and Serve: Finally, once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat. And that’s it! You’ve just made perfect Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Now, let’s talk about some pro tips and variations.
Notes
These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: food
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: healthy
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250-350
- Sodium: 300-500mg
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
- Protein: 25-35g
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, Crispy Chicken, Chicken Drumsticks Recipe, Easy Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner