Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world.[1] Owing to the relative ease and low cost of raising chickens—in comparison to mammals such as cattle or hogs—chicken meat (commonly called just “chicken“) and chicken eggs have become prevalent in numerous cuisines.
Chicken can be prepared in a vast range of ways, including baking, grilling, barbecuing, frying, and boiling. Since the latter half of the 20th century, prepared chicken has become a staple of fast food. Chicken is sometimes cited as being more healthful than red meat, with lower concentrations of cholesterol and saturated fat.[2]
The poultry farming industry that accounts for chicken production takes on a range of forms across different parts of the world. In developed countries, chickens are typically subject to intensive farming methods while less-developed areas raise chickens using more traditional farming techniques. The United Nations estimates there to be 19 billion chickens on Earth today, making them outnumber humans more than two to one.[3]
The ultimate recipe for juicy tender air fried chicken drumsticks with an irresistible crispy crunch with just a little oil and some seasonings, no additional breading needed!
The only oil we’re using in this recipe is a tiny bit – about two tablespoons – of heart healthy avocado or olive oil.
To make this recipe, you will need:
8 chicken drumsticks – pick high quality chicken drumsticks that are fresh or thawed. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to make sure the oil and herbs stick, as water and packaging liquid can make it harder for them to stick to the chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil – you can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any oil you prefer to cook with. We love the classic olive oil flavor with chicken.
Chicken goes with just about everything – so it’s easy to pick a delicious, easy, and flavorful side dish to pair with this meal!
We love serving chicken with spicy beans, air fryer french fries, roasted potatoes, quick-pickled beets, rice pilaf – or really, any of our delicious easy side dishes.
This recipe was designed to work with different types of air fryers – so the time listed is an estimate. Your air fryer might take a bit longer than time listed. Aim for around 15-20 checking at 10 and 15 minutes to see how the temperature is progressing.
I personally always marinate chicken before cooking – even just 30 minutes in some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can infuse a ton of flavor into your chicken. This recipe was designed to boost flavor regardless, so if you don’t have time to marinate, no worries!
How long do chicken drumsticks last?
Chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days, or frozen for up to four months.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Brush drumsticks with oil and then place into a Ziploc bag.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once combined, pour into the bag with chicken and toss again until the drumsticks are covered with the spice mixture.
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or brush a light coating of olive oil over basket to prevent drumsticks from sticking.
Place the drumsticks in air fryer basket without overlapping or stacking. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Flip chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking time.
Once chicken has reached 165° degrees internal temperature, and has your desired crispness, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
NOTES
Use a digital food thermometer to check chicken for doneness. I highly recommend using this thermometer, when cooking meat in the air fryer. A thermometer confirms chicken temperature very easily.
I make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer and 20 minutes cook time was perfect. Because all air fryers are different, you may need to adjust cooking time by 2-5 minutes.
PERFECT AND CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN LEGS (DRUMSTICKS)
Pat the chicken legs with a paper towel to dry. Add them to a medium sized bowl.
In a small bowl combine paprika, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the bowl of chicken and sprinkle with the seasonings and toss until fully coated.
Place the chicken legs skin side down in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 380 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes and continue to cook for 7-8 more minutes until no longer pink and the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Are Chicken Drumsticks Made In The Air Fryer Healthier?
Yes! Air Fryer Chicken has ultra crispy skin, super tender meat, and are much healthier for you than a traditional recipe, because less oil, if any, is used.
Do I Need To Clean My Air Fryer After Every Use?
Ideally, you should clean your air fryer after every use in order to avoid charred food and gunk buildup. Feel free to wipe down your air fryer’s exterior after every few uses.
What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken In The Air Fryer?
I find that preheating the air fryer and cooking the chicken at 380°F is the best temperature for making the perfect fried-like chicken with crispy skin.
Leftovers
Store leftover chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
FREEZER
To freeze, make sure to let the chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.