Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Air fryer chicken drumsticks turn out crisp and browned on the outside and juicy inside in about 25 minutes, with no need to heat the oven. A dry rub of paprika, garlic, cumin and lime zest seasons the skin, and turning the drumsticks halfway lets the hot air crisp them evenly all over.
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 25 mins
- Total Time
- 30 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks?
Pat 8 chicken drumsticks dry and toss with 1 tbsp oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, lime zest, salt and pepper. Air fry in a single layer at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until the skin is crisp and the meat near the bone reaches at least 74°C (165°F). Serve with lime wedges.
- Total time
- 30 mins
- Calories
- 320 per serving
- Protein
- 34 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Chicken
Spice rub
Equipment
Air fryer (5 litres or larger) · Large bowl · Tongs · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
Heat the air fryer
Heat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes, or as your model recommends.
Season the drumsticks
Pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels.
Air fry the first side
Arrange the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer, alternating thick and thin ends so they sit flat and don't touch.
Turn and finish
Turn the drumsticks with tongs and air fry for 8-13 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and well browned.
Rest and serve
Rest the drumsticks for 5 minutes, then serve with the lime wedges for squeezing over.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer chicken drumsticks.
Heat the air fryer
Heat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes, or as your model recommends.
Season the drumsticks
Pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, lime zest, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the drumsticks and oil and toss until they are evenly coated.
Air fry the first side
Arrange the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer, alternating thick and thin ends so they sit flat and don't touch. Cook in two batches if needed. Air fry for 12 minutes.
Turn and finish
Turn the drumsticks with tongs and air fry for 8-13 minutes more, until the skin is crisp and well browned. The meat next to the bone, with the thermometer not touching it, must read at least 74°C (165°F). Drumsticks are most tender at 80-85°C (175-185°F).
Rest and serve
Rest the drumsticks for 5 minutes, then serve with the lime wedges for squeezing over.
Recipe Tips
- Dry skin crisps; wet skin steams. Pat the drumsticks thoroughly before seasoning.
- Check the largest drumstick with a thermometer. Size makes more difference to the cooking time than the number of pieces.
- If your air fryer smokes, pour off the rendered fat from the bottom of the basket between batches.
Variations
- BBQ drumsticks: brush with 60 ml (1/4 cup) barbecue sauce in the last 3-4 minutes. Any earlier and the sugar burns. Check the label if you need it gluten-free.
- Buffalo drumsticks: skip the cumin and lime, then toss the cooked drumsticks in 60 ml (1/4 cup) hot sauce mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Garlic parmesan: leave out the cumin, cayenne and lime, then toss the hot drumsticks in 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 grated garlic cloves and 30 g finely grated parmesan.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.5 g |
| Fibre | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 6-8 minutes, until hot to 74°C (165°F).
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks FAQs
How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Chicken drumsticks take 20-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F) in a preheated air fryer, turned once halfway. At 190°C (375°F) allow 25-28 minutes. They are done when the meat near the bone reaches at least 74°C (165°F).
Do you need to flip drumsticks in the air fryer?
Yes. The side resting on the basket browns less, so turning the drumsticks once halfway through gives you crisp, evenly coloured skin all the way around.
Can you cook frozen chicken drumsticks in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry them for about 10 minutes until the surface thaws, then oil and season them and keep cooking. Frozen drumsticks take about 50% longer in total, roughly 30-35 minutes, so always check for 74°C (165°F) near the bone.
Are chicken drumsticks the same as chicken legs?
A drumstick is the lower part of the leg. A whole chicken leg, also called a leg quarter, includes the thigh and is much bigger, so it takes about 28-32 minutes at 190°C (375°F) in the air fryer.
How many drumsticks fit in an air fryer?
Most 5-6 litre air fryer baskets hold 6-8 drumsticks in a single layer. Leave a little space around each one; if they overlap, cook them in two batches so the skin crisps.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
