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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.

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Becky Abbott

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4.77 from 76 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. Kathy Sowers Perry says:

    5 stars
    My husband and I loves wings/drummettes but it’s expensive to eat out at wing places so I started looking for an Air Fryer recipe to make them at home. I’ve tried several and this is the best recipe I’ve found. I even make him the Garlic Parm Hot sauce he likes at the restaurants & he’s a happy camper! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you for the feedback! I’m so glad you liked them!

      Reply
  2. Glenn says:

    Have cooked twice, best tasting drumsticks we’ve had yet, and we are 60 years old. Lol

    Reply
    1. Jen West says:

      That’s so awesome! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mary Lebeau says:

    Very tasty, and smelled so good while it was cooking!

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you for the feedback! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Ibk says:

    Fast and tasty chicken drumsticks. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you! So glad you liked them!

      Reply
  5. Tay says:

    5 stars
    Cooked perfectly. PERFECTLY. Flavorful, crispy, quick, little cleanup.

    Reply
  6. Jay Mc says:

    I will try this today, BUT: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS rinse raw chicken in cold water before preparing THEN: Wash your hands and preps area completely after handling raw chicken,

    Reply
  7. Jasmine says:

    5 stars
    Love the recipe, made it tonight for my family!! The only down side mine didn’t brown up as well as your did. Can you guide me on how to get them nice a brown like this . I have a ninja foodi xl grill 6-in-1 and A innsky oven I used both at the same time due to the amount I made.

    Reply
  8. TRBB says:

    5 stars
    Endorsed.

    Reply
    1. Jay moon says:

      Great recipe. I have a Chapman air fryer. Had to adjust time to 30 mins. At 400 to get done on inside.

      Reply
  9. Ron says:

    5 stars
    Looked good so I tryed it so far it’s great thank u for sharing

    Reply
  10. James Vielbig says:

    5 stars
    This is a really great recipe

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
    2. Nancy says:

      Can you use Bisquick instead of flour

      Reply
      1. Rebecca says:

        Hi James. I’m not sure if it would cook the same because there are other ingredients in Bisquick. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.

        Reply