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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

WRITER BYJessica
POSTEDMarch 29, 2025
JUMP TO RECIPE

When I need an easy, budget-friendly meal, chicken drumsticks are always my go-to. With just a handful of pantry staples and 20 minutes of cooking time, you'll have perfectly seasoned, golden-brown drumsticks that taste like they came straight from a restaurant.

air fryer chicken drumsticks

I'm all about meals that are as delicious as they are simple, and this one checks both boxes. These air fryer chicken drumsticks cook up in no time, giving you that perfect crunch. They're budget-friendly, easy to cook, and, honestly, just fun to eat.

My family love them, and I never hear a single complaint—just the sound of crispy bites and requests for seconds. Plus, you can switch up the seasoning to match whatever vibe you want.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

air fryer chicken drumsticks

Here's why I love this recipe and why you'll love it, too:

  • Crispy without the grease: Air frying gives you that deep-fried crunch without the heavy oil- less mess, fewer calories, and all the flavor.
  • Quick and easy: Skip the lengthy prep work. Simply coat the drumsticks with seasoning, air fry them quickly, and enjoy a hassle-free meal ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor: You don't need anything fancy to make these air fryer chicken drumsticks. Just a few pantry spices and olive oil.
  • Kid-friendly and suitable for the whole family: These air fryer chicken drumsticks never fail to please, whether you're serving for your loved ones or hosting guests.

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

ingredient
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 chicken drumsticks

HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes.

air fryer ninja

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

seasoning

Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they're fully coated in the seasoning mixture.

seasoning

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.

chicken drumsticks

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

air fryer ninja

Then, flip each drumstick over and cook for another 10 minutes.

air fryer ninja

By the time the timer goes off, the drumsticks should be golden and crispy on the skin. Serve it while it's hot and enjoy!

air fried chicken

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE PERFECT AIR FRYER CHICKEN

Getting perfectly crispy, juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks isn't complicated, but a few small tricks can make a big difference.

  • Don't skip preheating: A hot air fryer ensures the chicken starts crisping immediately rather than steaming.
  • Pat the chicken dry: If your chicken drumsticks are wet, they won't crisp up as well. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning.
  • Space them out: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

air fried chicken

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are versatile and pair well with just about anything. Here are my top serving suggestions to try at home:

  • Dipping sauces: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
  • Side dishes: Pair with air fryer fries, roasted vegetables, or turmeric rice for a balanced meal.
  • Over a salad: These drumsticks go great chopped up over a fresh green salad. Check out my 35 easy and yummy salad recipes to combine with your chicken drumsticks.

STORAGE TIPS AND REHEATING FOR CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

I always recommend eating your air fryer chicken drumsticks while they're hot. But if you have leftovers, follow these simple tips to keep them crispy and delicious:

  • Refrigerating: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS VARIATIONS

Want to tweak your air fryer chicken drumsticks? Whether you like them spicy or extra saucy, here are some tasty variations to try:

  • BBQ lovers: Brush your chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a smoky, caramelized finish. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.
  • Buffalo-style: Toss the cooked drumsticks in buffalo sauce and return them to the air fryer for two more minutes to let the sauce caramelize slightly. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
  • Garlic parmesan: After cooking, toss the drumsticks in melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. A little chopped parsley on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
  • Spicy kick: For a little extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mixture. Drizzle with hot sauce after cooking for an even bolder flavor.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

This recipe is easily customizable based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are a few substitutions you can try:

  • Chicken parts: While drumsticks are the star of this recipe, you can also use chicken wings or even chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the cut of your chicken.
  • Seasonings: If you're missing garlic powder, you can swap it for onion powder to add a different layer of flavor.
  • Olive oil: If you don't have olive oil, you can use any other oil you have on hand, such as avocado or canola oil.

FAQ

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE

  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
  • Air Fryer Roast Chicken
  • Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Karaage Chicken (Japanese Fried Chicken)

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below! 

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RECIPE

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

These air fryer chicken drumsticks are so easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and 20 minutes of cooking time.

0 Stars (0 Reviews)

servings

6

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

1

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes.
2

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3

Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they're fully coated in the seasoning mixture.

Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they're fully coated in the seasoning mixture.
4

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.
5

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
6

Then, flip each drumstick over and cook for another 10 minutes.

Then, flip each drumstick over and cook for another 10 minutes.
7

By the time the timer goes off, the drumsticks should be golden and crispy on the exterior. Serve it while it's hot and enjoy!

By the time the timer goes off, the drumsticks should be golden and crispy on the exterior. Serve it while it's hot and enjoy!
Notes
  • Don't skip preheating: A hot air fryer ensures the chicken starts crisping immediately rather than steaming.
  • Pat the chicken dry: If your chicken drumsticks are wet, they won't crisp up as well. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning.
  • Space them out: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.

    • Did you make this? Tell us about it!

    Nutrition Facts

    Servings:6
    Serving Size:1

    Amount Per Serving:

    calories

    172kcal

    carbohydrates

    1g

    protein

    18g

    fat

    13g

    saturated fat

    3g

    polyunsaturated fat

    9g

    cholesterol

    116mg

    sodium

    266mg

    About Cook It Real Good

    Cook It Real Good focuses on making the most of simple ingredients. Learn to cook fast, easy meals that don't sacrifice taste. Oh and the less washing up, the better!

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    1 comments & reviews

    mitolyn

    mitolyn

    April 7, 2025

    Its like you read my mind You appear to know so much about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit but other than that this is fantastic blog A great read Ill certainly be back

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