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My air fryer chicken drumstick recipe uses a simple seasoning blend to yield the crispiest skin and juicy meat. Best of all, it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
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.
Table of Contents
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.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This is a great recipe. I’ve used it and shared it multiple times. Perfect every time. Thank you!!” – Bonnie
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.
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.
No air fryer? No problem!
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.
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.
What to serve with this dish
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
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
It’s not recommended to wash chicken before cooking it because the bacteria in raw meat can transfer to utensils and other food items in the kitchen.
Yes, you can do this, but if you want the chicken skin to be crisper, it’s recommended to cook it in contact with the hot air fryer basket.
Both work, but I prefer using the air fryer for convenience, ease, and time. It cooks the chicken quickly and makes it more crispy.
More air fryer favorites to try
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken legs)
Video
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- In a small bowl, add the baking powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, and mix well.
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks. Toss the drumsticks through the spice mix then drizzle the oil all over.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, or until cooked and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished July 2024
Thank you Arman for a wonderful and easy air fryer recipe. The drumsticks were perfectly juicy and delicious yet crispy on the outside.
I usually season my drumsticks some savory seasonings such as season salt, chicken powder flavoring and black pepper and let them sit overnight before grilling or air frying. Your recipe took it to the next level.
I do find it unusual that your recipe doesn’t include any salt whatsoever. I will continue first using a dry rub on my drumsticks when making your recipe.
Easy and delicious. I had to cook some larger drumsticks a few more minutes.
thanks, Mary!!
I really liked the seasoning on these and they turned out crispy and juicy on the inside. Even better, I didn’t have to heat up the kitchen!
These drumsticks are easy to make and Very delicious/juicy!!
Super crispy and very juicy!!
Absolutely loved these, so easy to make. I couldn’t fit them all in my little air fryer, so I cooked them in the convection oven.
Drumsticks are not my husband’s favorite piece of chicken but he wanted seconds of these!!
I made this in my air fryer and they turned out great. It was a easy meal to make. I am just getting used to my air fryer and don’t have many recipes yet.
😀 Thanks, Linda!
These are truly the best air fryer chicken drumsticks ever. The only way I’ll cook chicken legs moving forward.