air fry drumsticks recipe

air fry drumsticks recipe

The Best air fry drumsticks recipe

I’ve been making air fryer drumsticks for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The recipe is so simple, yet it’s packed with flavor. I love that it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, but still crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. My kids can be picky eaters, but they devour these drumsticks in seconds.

I’ve made them for birthday parties, family gatherings, and even just a regular Tuesday dinner. They’re easy to make in bulk, too, so I can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep – just store them in an airtight container and reheat as needed. The best part?

They’re ready in under 30 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table in no time. As for where this recipe comes from, I’m not entirely sure. But I do know that it’s become a staple in our household. I think it’s because the combination of spices and herbs is just right – not too overpowering, but still flavorful enough to make your taste buds do the happy dance.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the idea of ‘frying’ food without all the extra calories? The technique behind this recipe is actually pretty simple: just toss your chicken drumsticks with some oil, spices, and herbs, and then air fry until crispy. It’s really not much more complicated than that. But what really sets this recipe apart is how versatile it is.

You can serve these drumsticks as a main course, or use them as a topping for salads or wraps. My kids even like to dip them in ranch dressing or hot sauce – whatever floats their boat! I’ve also experimented with different seasonings and marinades over the years. One of my favorites is a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder – it gives the chicken a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

4.9 from 1437 votes

Crispy and juicy chicken drumsticks cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A healthier alternative to deep-frying, these drumsticks are seasoned and cooked until golden brown.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp brown sugar

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
3Coat each drumstick evenly with the seasoning mix.
4Place the seasoned drumsticks in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
6Flip the drumsticks and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7The skin should be golden brown and the juices should run clear when poked with a fork.
8While the drumsticks are cooking, mix olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a small bowl to make the sauce.
9Once the drumsticks are done, brush the sauce onto the drumsticks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F, until the sauce is caramelized and slightly bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Air fryer drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. They are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also serve them with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans, to create a complete meal. I love how easy it is to make this recipe and how much my family enjoys it.

Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to deep-fried drumsticks, making it a win-win for everyone. Be sure to try it out and let me know how you like it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Q: What kind of oil should I use in this recipe?

You can use any neutral-tasting oil you like – vegetable oil works great. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point so it doesn’t burn when heated.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – boneless breasts will cook faster than drumsticks.

Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?

Nope! While marinating can enhance the flavor of your chicken, it’s not necessary in this recipe.

Q: Can I bake these drumsticks instead of air frying?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer to bake instead, simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Q: How do I store leftover drumsticks?

Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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