Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

A seriously easy weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Get the grilled crispy chicken skin and flavor without sweating over the grill.

Sure you could just enjoy a complete plate of air fryer chicken legs, you’ll appreciate them much more with some of our amazing sides. My Southern Green Beans are my favorite side dish. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or a fresh Beet and Orange Salad work nicely with air fryer chicken.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

A fresh package of chicken and a handful of spices. Cheap, easy, and delicious!

• Chicken drumsticks
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Fresh parsley

Tools needed for this recipe

• Air fryer
• Quick read thermometer
• A dish for marinating

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt to the chicken and rub it all over the chicken drumsticks. Allow the drumsticks to marinate in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes.*

Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes,

After 12 minutes, open the basket and flip the drumsticks. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Tips For Perfect Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks & FAQs

For properly cooked chicken, don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Depending on your type of air fryer, you may be able to add more or less chicken than this recipe asks for. It may be required to cook chicken legs in batches.
Allow the flesh to rest a few minutes before eating, this will allow those wonderful fluids to reabsorb into the drumstick.
Pat the chicken dry before rubbing with the spice mixture will assist it cling to the chicken and its skin.
This Lemon Pepper Seasoning or my Homemade Cajun Seasoning would also be excellent on these air fryer chicken legs.
Want a hot kick? give cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even buffalo sauce to give some punch.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Because the air fryer reaches such a high air temperature, there isn’t any danger about bacteria from the raw chicken being left behind. As always, wash your air fryer basket after each usage as well.

Can I bake chicken legs in the oven too?

Don’t have an air fryer? You may still eat these delicious chicken legs. To bake in the oven, warm to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the chicken legs as specified. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Turn the chicken legs halfway through to cook evenly.

Storing leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftover air fryer chicken legs in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Freezer: Before freezing, ensure sure the drumsticks have cooled fully. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

• The chicken drumsticks should attain an internal temperature between 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is done.
  I prefer to leave my chicken drumsticks to remain at room temperature for just a few minutes to absorb the flavours. Feel free to skip this step if you’re short on time. In the alternative, you may season the chicken drumsticks prior, around 1-2 days, and chill them until ready to cook.