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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

  • January 23, 2025
  • Estimated read time 5 min read
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These easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks always turn out super juicy, with crispy seasoned skin, and are on the table in less than 30 minutes!

The post Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When I’m on a tight budget, chicken drumsticks are usually my go-to for dinner. They’re inexpensive and can easily be purchased in small quantities or in a large package. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are, however, a new favorite of mine. Not only do they cook perfectly in the air fryer, but the skin also gets a tad bit crispy, which I love. Add this recipe to your rotation when you need a quick meal on those busy weeknights!😉

Overhead view of air fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket.

This recipe is very similar to our Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe, except it cooks in almost half the time it takes to bake in an oven. I also used the same spice seasoning blend minus the cayenne pepper, but feel free to keep the cayenne in if you like a little heat. I love using my air fryer where possible, especially if my oven is already in use. Not to mention, it can work out much cheaper than using the oven. This means I can make my family’s favorite chicken drumsticks in less time AND save a bit of money in the process!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make chicken drumsticks in the air fryer:

  • Chicken Drumsticks: I went for drumsticks with the bone-in and skin-on. Chicken drumsticks are different from chicken leg quarters, as the legs include both the drumstick and the thigh. If you prefer thigh meat over drumsticks, I recommend you check out our recipe for air fryer chicken thighs instead!
  • Olive Oil: Just a bit to coat the chicken and help with browning.
  • Seasonings: I used a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for a classic flavor profile. You can also add in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if desired.

Seasoning Variations to Try

I like the simple mix of seasonings I use on these air fryer chicken drumsticks. It’s just enough to add flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. But you can easily switch the seasonings or use a pre-made mix for a different taste! Here are some ideas I think you’ll love:

Money Saving Ideas!

The bigger 4-5 lbs. packs of chicken drumsticks can work out cheaper per piece than the 1-2 lbs. packs. If you have the freezer space, go for the larger pack and split it into smaller portions for later use. Or, to save even more money, buy a pack of FROZEN chicken drumsticks and thaw them in the fridge overnight before using. Frozen is often cheaper than fresh, and the chicken will still turn out great in the air fryer! I recommend patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before air frying.

Recipe Success Tips

  1. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. My air fryer was big enough to fit in 5 drumsticks without any overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
  2. Preheat your air fryer! You wouldn’t use your oven without preheating it (I hope!!), and the same concept applies to your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
  3. Check your chicken is done using a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature. I try and aim for 175°F. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has had a chance to break down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy. Be careful not to hit the bone with the thermometer, as it can give an inaccurate reading.

Serving Suggestions

All together, these easy air fryer chicken drumsticks are a super simple way to prepare chicken legs for those busy weeknights. I served mine with a simple side salad as a quick and healthy dinner option. But I think they’d be delicious served with mac and cheese, steamed veggies, or even potato salad (perfect for a picnic!). My family also likes it when I serve them with a dipping sauce. BBQ sauce is our favorite!

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I’d pop them back into the air fryer preheated to 360ºF, or the recommended setting for your specific air fryer, until heated through.

Overhead view of an air fryer chicken drumstick on a plate with a simple side salad.