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I’ve tested these air fryer chicken drumsticks a bunch of times in both my air fryer baskets and air fryer ovens and they always come out perfect! It’s one of my family’s favorite meals.

Plate of crispy chicken drumsticks stacked on a white plate on a light blue table in front of an air fryer.

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QUICK AND EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICK RECIPE

The first time we made chicken drumsticks in the air fryer was unbelievable. They are crispy on the outside while juicy and tender on the inside.

Making them in the air fryer is quick and easy and can be done in less than 20 minutes. 

Each bite has juicy meat with crispy skin. They are easy to grab and eat on the go and perfect for busy weeknight meals.

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INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

  • chicken drumsticks-for a crispier drumstick, leave the skin on
  • olive oil – perfect to brush the drumsticks with before coating.
  • all purpose flour – for crispy skin.
  • baking powder– or corn starch
  • paprika – for a slight earthy flavor.
  • onion powder- for slightly different flavor, you can substitute garlic powder
  • salt- I prefer to use kosher salt
  • black pepper – gives everything a little spice.
  • optional spices: for an extra spicy drumstick, you can substitute chili powder for onion powder. If you like them hot, use a bit of cayenne pepper.
  • Optional Garnish- parsley flakes
Ingredients measured out and spices in small spoons and bowls.

HOW TO COOK CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS IN THE AIR FRYER

STEP 1 – First, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush with a light coating of olive oil. Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag.

Brushing uncooked drumsticks with olive oil on a white plate.

STEP 2 – Next, in a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shake the bag until the drumsticks are covered with the spice mixture.

Close up photo showing drumstick in a ziploc bag, shaken with seasonings.

STEP 3 – Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or brush a light coating of olive oil over the basket to prevent the drumsticks from sticking.

STEP 4 – Transfer the coated drumsticks from the bag to the air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer, without overlapping or stacking. 

Seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket before being cooked.

STEP 5 – Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

STEP 6 – Chicken will be done when it is golden brown and crispy, and when an instant read meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165° degrees.

Crispy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket.

TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

  • Leaving chicken drumsticks skin on helps the chicken become crispy. Skinless chicken will be delicious, too, but not as crispy.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness when cooking meat in the air fryer. Because a thermometer can quickly and easily confirm doneness, you can prevent overcooking or dry or tough meat. 
  • Use a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
  • Prepare the chicken in batches. In order to get the skin crunchy, avoid overlapping or having drumsticks touch in the basket.

CHICKEN DRUMSTICK VARIATIONS

  • Chicken drumsticks are easy to grab by the bone and eat as they are, or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, or even BBQ sauce, for dipping.  
  • Add seasonings such as Ranch or Italian seasoning to the flour before cooking for more flavor.
Close up juicy and crispy chicken drumstick with seasonings.

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS IN THE AIR FRYER FAQs

What is the Difference between Chicken Legs and Drumsticks?

Chicken legs and drumsticks are both dark meat. However, the legs of the chicken have the thigh as part of the piece, while drumsticks are the lower part of the leg, without the thigh. Drumsticks are one of the least expensive but delicious meats, which is why they are perfect for feeding larger families. 

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer

Allow the drumsticks to cool before storing. Once they have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 
To reheat air-fried chicken drumsticks, return them to the air fryer and air fry at 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 

Do you have to flip chicken in the air fryer?

I flip the chicken to rotate the top, which is closest to the fan in my oven. This ensures they cook evenly. 

What should I serve with Chicken Drumsticks?

Chicken Drumsticks are an easy dinner recipe because can be served with almost any favorite side dish. Air fryer roasted potatoes, air fryer French fries, or air fryer twice baked potatoes, would all be delicious. 

MORE AIR FRYER DINNER IDEAS

Juicy crusted chicken with seasonings served on a white plate
4.77 from 76 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

By Becky
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are a deliciously easy meal, ready in less than 20 minutes. This simple recipe makes crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks, everyone will love.
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 23 minutes
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Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder, or corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush with a light coating of olive oil. Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag
  • In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shake the bag until the drumsticks are covered with the spice mixture.
  • Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or brush a light coating of olive oil over basket to prevent drumsticks from sticking.
  • Transfer the drumsticks from the bag to the air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer, without overlapping or stacking. 
  • Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Flip chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking time.
  • Chicken will be done when it is golden brown and crispy, and when an instant read meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165° degrees F.

Notes

  • Leaving chicken drumsticks skin on helps the chicken to become crispy. Skinless chicken will be delicious too, just not as crispy.
  • Use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness when cooking meat in the air fryer. A thermometer can quickly and easily confirm doneness and prevent overcooking. 
  • I make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer and 20 minutes cook time was perfect. Because all air fryers are different, you may need to adjust cooking time by 2-5 minutes.
  • If making more than 4-6 drumsticks, prepare the chicken in batches. To get the crunchy skin, avoid overlapping or having drumsticks touch in the basket.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 476mg, Potassium: 180mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 74IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Becky Abbott

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4.77 from 76 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. Bernac9 says:

    Made these and they were super will make again

    Reply
    1. Jen West says:

      So glad you liked them! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sandy says:

    Just to clarify as I’m a bit confused. The recipe says baking powder or cornstarch. How do they do the same thing for the recipe? One’s a thickener, the other a raising agent.
    Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    1. Becky Abbott says:

      Hi Sandy,
      You can totally use either one—it just depends on the kind of crunch you’re going for! Adding a little baking powder to your flour mix helps make the coating puff up and get extra light and crispy in the air fryer. Cornstarch works too. It soaks up moisture from the chicken and keeps the coating from getting soggy, which also gives a crispy coating. Plus, it stops the flour from getting too soggy. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  3. Bob says:

    5 stars
    Just tried this recipe tonight and the results were great! Good seasoning in the coating. 20 minutes cook time was right on. Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Roman says:

    5 stars
    This was very first time using a Air Fryer. This receipt turned out great I highly recommend it to all.

    Reply
  5. Richard says:

    5 stars
    as an executive Chef at a Michelin 2 Starred Restaurant, I peruse the net looking for new simple ideas. I think that after trying this particular recipe, that the spice profile is right on for a “rustic” dish. Obviously I couldn’t serve it professionally but for myself it was a very good supper….. I would serve to my friends. I brought the temp up slightly to get a little more crisp for the first few minutes and turned twice and backed it down to 205c. great job !!!!

    Reply
  6. CJ says:

    I am new to air frying – like haven’t even used it yet new, lol – I was just wondering, do you spray the chicken lightly with oil after it’s coated in the seasoning?

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      Yes! If you give the chicken a light spray of olive oil, it will help prevent sticking and give it a little crisp. Let us know how it goes!

      Reply