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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a game-changer! They cook in half the time of traditional oven baking, and the result is crispy skin and tender meat. You can season them to your liking, whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper mix or a saucy BBQ finish. The best part? Clean-up is a breeze!

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley

  • 1 cup barbeque sauce

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

  2. In a bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and parsley. Mix well until the drumsticks are fully coated.

  3. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.

  4. Remove the drumsticks, flip them over, and baste with BBQ sauce.

  5. Return the drumsticks to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

  6. Flip again, baste with BBQ sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

  7. Remove from the air fryer and serve with an additional layer of BBQ sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Buffalo Drumsticks: Add some heat by swapping BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce or a combination of hot sauce and butter.

  • Seasoned Only: Skip the sauce for a simply seasoned version with your favorite herbs and spices.

  • Crispy Coating: For a crunchier texture, dip the drumsticks in a flour mixture before air frying.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

How do I make sure my drumsticks are fully cooked in the air fryer?

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make these drumsticks without BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can season them with any dry seasoning mix or rub you prefer.

How do I prevent the drumsticks from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the drumsticks with oil to prevent sticking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and may require a slightly longer cook time depending on their size.

How long should I cook drumsticks in the air fryer?

Typically, air fryer drumsticks take about 20-25 minutes, depending on size and air fryer model.

Can I make these drumsticks in the oven?

Yes, follow the same seasoning instructions and bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I keep the skin crispy?

Make sure the drumsticks are not overcrowded in the air fryer, allowing air to circulate freely around them.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What sides pair well with these drumsticks?

Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a fast, flavorful, and hassle-free option for a busy weeknight dinner. With crispy skin and tender meat, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, you can easily customize the seasoning or sauce to suit your taste. Enjoy this easy, delicious dish with minimal clean-up!

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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect dinner solution for busy nights. This quick recipe delivers crispy, juicy drumsticks in just 30 minutes, with minimal prep and clean-up. Whether you prefer BBQ or a simple seasoning mix, this easy air fryer recipe ensures tender meat and crispy skin every time. A family-friendly meal that's sure to impress!

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon dried parsley

1 cup barbeque sauce

 

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and parsley. Toss until the drumsticks are evenly coated.

  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.

  • After 10 minutes, flip the drumsticks, baste with BBQ sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.

  • Flip again, baste with more BBQ sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  • Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer, serve, and add more BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicy version, swap BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce or a mix of hot sauce and butter.

  • For extra crunch, dip the drumsticks in a seasoned flour mixture before air frying.

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

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