If you want an easy dinner that comes out juicy, well-seasoned, and so delicious, let me show you how to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. If you want something simple that turns out really tasty, this is one to try.
If you want to see exactly how to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, check out my recipe video below for the full step-by-step. And if you love easy air fryer recipes, like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more simple, air fryer dinner ideas.
Why you’ll love these air fryer chicken drumsticks
These air fryer chicken drumsticks are easy to make, full of flavor, and great for a simple dinner that tastes really good. The seasoning is bold, the prep is straightforward, and the air fryer makes the whole thing quicker and easier.
I also love that they come out juicy and tender, with a nicely cooked outside and plenty of flavor in every bite. This is the kind of recipe you can make on a busy day and still be really happy to eat.
Air fryer chicken drumsticks ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- A little white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for washing
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, about 14 grams
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder, about 7 grams
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder, about 8 grams
- 1 tablespoon onion powder, about 8 grams
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, about 2 grams
- 2 teaspoons salt, about 12 grams
- 1 teaspoon curry powder, about 2 grams
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil, 15 to 30 ml
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large bowl
- Small knife
- Kitchen towel or paper towels
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer, if you have one
Let me show you how to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer
Step 1: Take 6 chicken drumsticks because that is all I can fit into my air fryer basket later without overcrowding the basket, and I still want the chicken to cook in one batch instead of having to do it in rounds.
Pour a little white vinegar over the chicken drumsticks and wash them well to help freshen them up, get rid of that raw chicken smell, and clean off that slippery feel they can sometimes have on the outside.
Once that is done, pat the chicken drumsticks dry really well with a kitchen towel so there is not too much water left on the outside.
Step 2: Cut a few shallow slits into the chicken drumsticks. Do not go too deep here. Just a few light cuts on each one is enough to help the seasoning get into the meat a little better.
Step 3:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika over the chicken drumsticks.
- Then add 1 tablespoon of ginger powder.
- Then add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
- Then add 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
- After that, add 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Then add 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Then finish with 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
Step 4: Use your hand to rub the seasoning all over the chicken drumsticks really well. Make sure you get into all the little cuts and coat every part evenly. Keep rubbing until the seasoning is spread nicely all over the chicken.
Top Tip: Take an extra minute with the rubbing step. That is what helps the seasoning go on evenly, and it really shows in the final flavor.
Step 5: Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra light olive oil over the chicken drumsticks. I like to add the oil at this point because it helps the outside brown better in the air fryer. Once the oil is in, rub everything together again so the chicken drumsticks are evenly coated all over.
Step 6: Place the chicken drumsticks in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack them on top of each other. You want the air to move around them properly while they cook.
Step 7: Air fry the chicken drumsticks in a preheated air fryer at 360°F, which is 180°C, for about 18 to 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Start checking around 18 minutes, especially if your drumsticks are smaller. The thickest part should reach 165°F, which is 74°C, and the juices should run clear.
Time and temp for drumsticks in air fryer
If you have ever wondered how long to cook drumsticks in an air fryer, this recipe keeps it simple. For medium drumsticks, 360°F is the sweet spot, and 18 to 20 minutes usually works really well.
If your drumsticks are especially large, they may need a couple more minutes. This is why checking the thickest part is so helpful… every air fryer cooks a little differently.
Related Recipe: If you liked these chicken drumsticks, you should also check out how I make these extra crispy air fryer chicken wings here.
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
6
servings15
minutes20
minutes170
kcal35
minutesIf you want an easy dinner that comes out juicy, well-seasoned, and so delicious, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are such a good one to make. They are simple, packed with flavor, and perfect when you want something fuss-free that still tastes really good…
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 pieces chicken drumsticks
a little white vinegar, for washing
2 tbsp (14 g) smoked paprika
1 tbsp (6 g) ginger powder
1 tbsp (9 g) garlic powder
1 tbsp (7 g) onion powder
2 tsp (12 g) salt
1 tsp (2 g) black pepper
1 tsp (2 g) curry powder
1 to 2 tbsp (15–30 ml) extra light olive oil
Directions
- Begin by taking 6 chicken drumsticks and pour a little vinegar over them as you wash them to freshen up.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel to ensure excess moisture is removed.
- Cut shallow slits in the chicken drumsticks to allow better penetration of the seasoning.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and curry powder over the drumsticks.
- Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over the chicken drumsticks, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra light olive oil over the drumsticks, and rub to combine evenly.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, avoiding stacking them.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius (360 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Turn the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best basket setup: Keep the chicken drumsticks in a single layer and do not crowd the basket. Similar air fryer chicken leg recipes use the same approach because the hot air needs room to move around the chicken, which helps it cook more evenly and brown better.
- Cook in batches if needed: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches instead of squeezing everything in. Crowding the basket can stop the drumsticks from browning as well as they should.
- Use similar-sized pieces: Try to use chicken drumsticks that are close in size, so they finish cooking at about the same time. If some are much bigger, the smaller ones can dry out while you wait for the bigger ones to finish.
- Do not skip preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps the chicken start cooking right away, which can give you better browning on the outside. It also makes the cook time more consistent from batch to batch.
- Turn halfway through: Flip the drumsticks about halfway through cooking so both sides cook more evenly. This also helps the color look better all around.
- Check doneness early: Start checking the drumsticks near the end of the cook time, especially if they are small. The safest way to know they are done is to use a thermometer and check that the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Check the internal temp: Cook the chicken drumsticks until the thickest part reaches 165°F, which is 74°C. Try not to touch the bone with the thermometer, because that can give you a less accurate reading.
- Make prep faster: You can season the chicken ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning also helps speed things up because the spices stick better right away
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 170kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 13g
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Serving ideas
These air fryer chicken drumsticks are really easy to serve with all kinds of sides. I love them with fries, rice, roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, salad, or even something simple like steamed veggies.
They are also great for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even lunch the next day. How can you not love a recipe that works that hard?
Storage
Let the chicken drumsticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
More easy air fryer recipes
If you liked these juicy air fryer chicken drumsticks, be sure to check out more easy air fryer recipes below… especially if you love simple dinner recipes that actually taste amazing.
- How To Cook Ribs in Air Fryer (Easy Recipe) – Tender, juicy ribs with a flavorful dry rub and caramelized edges, all made right in the air fryer. This easy method gives you fall-off-the-bone style ribs without turning on the oven.
- Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly – Perfectly crispy skin with juicy, tender meat inside. This simple air fryer pork belly recipe delivers incredible crunch and flavor with minimal prep.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips – Golden, crunchy chicken strips that are juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Great for an easy dinner, meal prep, or a kid-friendly favorite.
If you make these air fryer chicken drumsticks, or if you have any questions about the recipe, leave a comment below or ask in the YouTube comments too. I’ll try to reply to as many as I can…