Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks – Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a game-changer for easy chicken meals. They turn out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor without the need for deep frying.

Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas with chicken or a quick and tasty chicken recipe, this is the perfect meal for busy nights!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this delicious, mess-free dinner recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week!

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

• ✅ Crispy & juicy – Perfect golden skin without deep frying.
• ✅ Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
• ✅ Healthy alternative – Uses minimal oil for a lighter meal.
• ✅ Kid-friendly – A family favorite that everyone will love.
• ✅ Versatile – Easily customize with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

To make the best air fryer chicken drumsticks, you’ll need:

Chicken & Seasonings:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)

For Extra Flavor (Optional):

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest for a fresh citrus kick
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, savory crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

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• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

2. Season the Drumsticks

• In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and chili powder.
• Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

4. Cook the Drumsticks

• Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
• Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
• The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

5. Rest & Serve

• Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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cooking

These crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. A quick and easy dinner recipe ready in just 30 minutes!

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
• 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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• In a mixing bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil until evenly coated.
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• In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and chili powder.
• Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken drumsticks.
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• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and cook for another 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
• Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Keyword chicken recipes, dinner ideas with chicken, easy chicken meals

How to Get Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

• 🔥 Pat the chicken dry before seasoning – this removes excess moisture for crispier skin.
• 🔥 Use a light coating of oil – just enough to help the seasoning stick.
• 🔥 Flip halfway through cooking – ensures even browning.
• 🔥 Increase temperature at the end – air fry at 400°F for the last 2 minutes for extra crunch!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These crispy chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with:

• 🥗 Side Salad – A fresh Greek salad or coleslaw balances the meal.
• 🍟 Crispy Air Fryer Fries – Try sweet potato fries or classic French fries.
• 🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make it extra comforting.
• 🌽 Roasted Vegetables – Air fryer Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots are great sides.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• 💥 BBQ Drumsticks – Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• 🌶 Spicy Cajun Drumsticks – Use Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• 🍯 Honey Garlic Drumsticks – Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a sticky glaze.
• 🌿 Herb Butter Drumsticks – Toss with melted garlic butter and fresh herbs before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

🍗 Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🥶 Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
📦 Meal Prep – Season drumsticks ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Try These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Tonight!

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are one of the easiest dinner recipes you can make. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick dinner idea with chicken, these crispy, flavorful drumsticks are always a hit.

👉 For more easy chicken recipes, check out this amazing collection here.

Enjoy this easy air fryer chicken recipe, and let us know how it turns out! ❤️

Pinterest Description

🍗 Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks – These golden, juicy drumsticks are the perfect easy dinner recipe! Made with a flavorful spice blend, they cook in just 25 minutes for a healthier, no-fuss meal. Try this quick chicken recipe today! #EasyChickenMeals #DinnerIdeas #AirFryerRecipes

Quora-Optimized Answer

Q: How do you make crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks?

A: To make crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks, follow these simple steps:

• 1️⃣ Pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture.
• 2️⃣ Season well with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
• 3️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• 4️⃣ Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
• 5️⃣ Check for doneness – The internal temp should be 165°F (75°C).

For extra crispiness, air fry at 400°F for the last 2 minutes. These drumsticks are quick, flavorful, and perfect for any meal!

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