How I Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (what I did)

I must admit, it took me a while to get air fryer chicken drumsticks just right. The skin was not crispy enough, they were too dry, or they lacked flavor. After many attempts, I discovered a simple method that always delivers perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful air fryer chicken drumsticks.

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step guide to making these perfectly crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious air fryer meals!


Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
  1. Crispy Skin! Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get that deep-fried texture without the excess oil.
  2. Juicy & flavorful inside—never dry or bland.
  3. So easy! No preheating, no marinating, no complicated steps.
  4. Healthier than fried chicken, but tastes just as good!
  5. Perfect Every Time: I’ve tested this method again and again—it works!

What You Need to Make These Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

I love a recipe that keeps things simple—just a few basic ingredients, yet the result tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. These drumsticks are exactly that!

Start with a Flavor Boost
  • 6 pieces chicken (680 grams) drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons (6 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons (5 grams) all-natural chicken seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt (optional, adjust to taste)

Quick Note – I used my Ninja air fryer for this, but any air fryer should work just fine!

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Let me show you how to make perfectly crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer—zero mess, all the crunch! This recipe is so easy, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. Let’s get started!

Check for That Crispy, Golden Finish

Step 1: Season to Perfection
Place the drumsticks in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on garlic powder, white pepper, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning.

Quick Note – If you’re out of chicken drumsticks, this recipe works just as well with chicken thighs—just increase the cook time by a few minutes!

Step 2: Rub for Maximum Taste
Here’s the part that makes all the difference—get in there with your hands and rub the seasoning in. Every piece needs to be fully coated. Trust me, this is what takes them from “good” to next-level delicious.

Step 3: Give Them Space in the Air Fryer
Now, arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. No stacking, no crowding.

Avoid This Mistake! – Overcrowding the air fryer will make the skin soggy instead of crispy. Cook in batches if needed!

Step 4: Cook at the Perfect Temperature
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let them cook. No flipping yet—just let the magic happen.

Step 5: Flip for Even Crispiness
After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip each drumstick over. This ensures they crisp up beautifully on all sides. Then, close the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes.

Note: – The key to restaurant-style crispy chicken? Flipping halfway through cooking!

Step 6: Check for That Golden, Crispy Finish
Once the timer goes off, take a peek. They should be golden brown, crispy, and absolutely mouthwatering. To be sure they’re cooked through, check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F (75°C). If they need more crisp, give them 2-3 extra minutes.

Step 7: Let Them Rest
Here’s the hardest part—I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but give the air fryer chicken drumsticks 5 minutes to rest. This lets the juices settle and makes them even more tender and flavorful.

Looking for the perfect pairing? Click here to check out my Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes—they’re crispy, buttery, and the perfect sidekick to these drumsticks!

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Recipe by Jen Evansy
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

560

kcal
Total Time

25

minutes

To me, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are more than just an easy dinner—they’re the kind of crispy, juicy comfort food that makes any meal feel special. The perfectly seasoned skin crackles with every bite, while the inside stays unbelievably tender. And the best part? No deep frying, no mess—just pure, effortless deliciousness.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces (680 grams) chicken drumsticks

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons (6 grams) garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) white pepper

  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) smoked paprika

  • 2 teaspoons (5 grams) all-natural chicken seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt (optional, adjust to taste)

Directions

  • Start with a Flavor Boost: Toss the drumsticks into a big bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on your seasonings. This is where the magic begins!Start with a Flavor Boost
  • Get Hands-On with the Seasoning: Now don’t just toss them around—really work that seasoning in with your hands. Every drumstick deserves to be fully coated in all that delicious flavor!Get Hands-On with the Seasoning
  • Give Them Room to Crisp: Place the drumsticks in your air fryer basket in a single layer. No crowding, no stacking—they need space to crisp up properly! If you’re making a big batch, just cook them in shifts.Give Them Room to Crisp
  • Set It and Let It Work: Turn the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it do its thing. No flipping yet—just let that hot air work its crispy magic.Set It and Let It Work
  • Flip for Even Perfection: Halfway through (about 10 minutes in), flip each drumstick. This way, they cook evenly on all sides and get that golden crunch everywhere.Flip for Even Perfection
  • Check for That Crispy, Golden Finish: Once the timer’s up, take a peek—crispy, golden brown, and totally irresistible? You’re almost there! Double-check that the internal temp is 165°F (75°C), and if they need a little more crunch, pop them back in for a few more minutes.Check for That Crispy, Golden Finish
  • Be Patient—It’s Worth It: I know it’s hard, but let them rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This helps the juices settle, making every bite extra juicy and flavorful. Now, go ahead and enjoy—pure crispy, juicy goodness awaits!Be Patient—It’s Worth It

Equipment

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Marinate for Even More Flavor: If you have extra time, let the drumsticks marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours in the seasoning and oil before cooking. This helps the flavors really soak in, making every bite extra tasty!
  • Shake It Up with Different Seasonings: While this recipe is amazing as-is, don’t be afraid to switch up the flavors! Try, cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, honey garlic for a sweet-savory combo, or lemon pepper for fresh, zesty vibes.
  • Brush with Sauce at the End: If you love saucy wings, try brushing the drumsticks with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic butter in the last 5 minutes of cooking. The air fryer caramelizes it beautifully, making them sticky, sweet, and irresistible.
  • Don’t Just Sprinkle—Massage That Seasoning In: Give those drumsticks some love! Rub the seasoning in with your hands, making sure every inch is coated. This simple step takes them from good to next-level delicious.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Got leftovers? Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to bring back the crunch! It’s way better than microwaving, which makes the skin soggy.
  • Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Air fryer baskets are not fun to scrub, so line yours with air fryer-safe parchment paper. It keeps the mess under control without blocking airflow, so you still get crispy drumsticks without the cleanup hassle!

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 2
  • Calories: 560kcal
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 60g

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Related Recipe: Craving ultra-crispy pork belly? Check out this easy air fryer pork belly recipe—perfect crunch in just one hour!

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    • How Long to Cook Drumsticks in an Air Fryer?
      The perfect cooking time is 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through. If you have extra-large drumsticks, you may need an extra 2-3 minutes.
    • Can I Make These in a Ninja Air Fryer?
      Yes! Ninja air fryer chicken drumsticks come out just as crispy and delicious. Follow the same time and temperature guidelines.
    • Do I Need to Preheat My Air Fryer?
      Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but if yours does, set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes before adding the drumsticks.
    • Can I Use Frozen Chicken Drumsticks?
      Yes! You’ll need to add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time and check that they reach 165°F (75°C) internally.

    What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks?

    These drumsticks are so good on their own, but if you want the ultimate meal, pair them with:

    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes – Crispy, buttery, and the perfect match!
    • Fresh Coleslaw – Creamy, crunchy, and refreshing next to crispy chicken.
    • Hot Honey Drizzle – A little sweetness + heat takes these to another level!
    • Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Because a little green never hurts.

    Why Are My Air Fryer Drumsticks Not Crispy? Let’s Fix That!

    Nothing is more disappointing than biting into a drumstick expecting crunch… only to get meh soggy skin. Here’s how to fix that:

    air fryer chicken drumsticks that are not crispy
    • Pat them dry before seasoning! Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
    • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give them space to crisp up properly.
    • A tiny bit of baking powder (yes, really!) can help pull moisture from the skin, making it extra crispy.
    • Turn up the heat at the end. Try increasing the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes.

    Questions or Want to Share Your Experience?

    Tried this crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below. Need tips or substitutions? I’ve got you covered! Watch my video for a step-by-step guide, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, delicious air fryer recipes! – Jen

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    About Jen Evansy

    Nutritionist, researcher, avid home cook, and writer interested in everything nutrition and food-related. Striving to inform, encourage, and inspire all the readers to make healthy and informed choices when it comes to cooking, food, diet, and nutrition.