Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks are perfectly golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With a quick prep time and simple pantry ingredients, this no-fuss, healthier fried chicken alternative is ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll love the crispy skin, tender meat, and how easy cleanup is thanks to the air fryer. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or guilt-free comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on for best crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove moisture for maximum crispiness.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add drumsticks and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Place drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip each drumstick, then cook another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
- Optional: Use the crisp function or air fry for an extra 3 minutes for added crunch.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even crisping. For extra crunch, mix 1 teaspoon baking powder into your spice blend. Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or dipping sauces like honey mustard or spicy ranch. Leftovers reheat perfectly in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipe
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg