Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer drumsticks with this quick and easy recipe. How to cook juicy chicken drumsticks with golden skin in just 25 minutes using simple seasonings and your air fryer for restaurant-quality results at home.

Prep

10 mins

Cook

25 mins

Serve

Kcal

340

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 18g

340

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 chicken drumsticks (about 1.2kg)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry using kitchen paper - this is absolutely crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy skin we're after. Any moisture left on the surface will create steam and prevent proper crisping, so be thorough and patient with this step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In your mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Give it a good stir with a spoon until all the spices are evenly distributed - you should have a fragrant, reddish-brown seasoning blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drizzle the olive oil over the dried drumsticks and use your hands to massage it all over each piece, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes that gorgeous golden browning we want.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over all the drumsticks, then use your hands again to rub the seasonings into every nook and cranny. Make sure to get under the skin where possible and around the bone ends - this ensures maximum flavor in every bite.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>If you have time, let the seasoned drumsticks rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully, but you can skip this if you're in a hurry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This initial blast of heat helps create that immediate sear we need for crispy skin from the get-go.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Arrange the drumsticks in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not touching each other. The hot air needs to circulate freely around each piece for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cook for 12 minutes at 200°C, then carefully flip each drumstick using tongs. The skin should already be starting to turn a lovely golden color. Don't worry if it's not completely crispy yet - that's coming.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Continue cooking for another 10-13 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark. The drumsticks are done when the skin is deep golden brown and crispy, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 74°C. The juices should run clear when pierced.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is as succulent as possible. Serve immediately while the skin is at its crispiest.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe

How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer for 22-25 minutes total at 200°C (400°F). Flip them halfway through at the 12-minute mark for even cooking and crispy skin on all sides.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking drumsticks?

Yes, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes before adding the drumsticks. This initial blast of heat helps create an immediate sear for achieving that perfect crispy skin.

What internal temperature should chicken drumsticks reach when cooked?

Chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) when measured at the thickest part. The juices should also run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife.

Can you cook frozen drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, but thaw them first for best results. If cooking from frozen, add 5-8 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they reach 74°C internal temperature. Pat dry thoroughly after thawing.

Why is my air fryer chicken skin not crispy?

Ensure drumsticks are completely dry before seasoning, don't overcrowd the basket, and avoid opening the air fryer too often. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin in air frying.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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Serve immediately while the skin is at its crispiest." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "127" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sarah Johnson", "datePublished": "2024-12-22", "reviewBody": "These drumsticks came out absolutely perfect! The skin was incredibly crispy while the meat stayed juicy. My whole family loved them and they're now a weekly staple.", "name": "Perfect Crispy Skin", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Marco Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-12-25", "reviewBody": "Amazing recipe! So much faster than oven cooking and the results are restaurant quality. The seasoning blend is spot on - will definitely be making these again.", "name": "Restaurant Quality Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Okafor", "datePublished": "2024-12-28", "reviewBody": "My kids absolutely demolished these drumsticks! They were perfectly cooked - crispy outside and so tender inside. Great for busy weeknight dinners.", "name": "Kid-Approved Winner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Raj Sharma", "datePublished": "2025-01-02", "reviewBody": "Followed the recipe exactly and got incredible results. The timing was perfect and the spice blend gave such great flavor. Never going back to oven method!", "name": "Incredible Flavor", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Emma Andersen", "datePublished": "2025-01-05", "reviewBody": "These are perfect for meal prep! I made a double batch and they reheated beautifully. The seasoning is absolutely perfect and the texture is amazing.", "name": "Great for Meal Prep", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }


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August 26, 2025

Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer drumsticks with this quick and easy recipe. How to cook juicy chicken drumsticks with golden skin in just 25 minutes using simple seasonings and your air fryer for restaurant-quality results at home.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Directions

How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking drumsticks?

What internal temperature should chicken drumsticks reach when cooked?

Can you cook frozen drumsticks in an air fryer?

Why is my air fryer chicken skin not crispy?