Easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer chicken drumsticks garnished with fresh parsley on a light gray plate.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These air fryer chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful on the inside! This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and sure to be the best chicken drumsticks you’ve ever had. No breading required!

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer chicken legs, chicken drumsticks recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 18

Total Time 20

Servings

Author Ivory

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

6 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions:

Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with a paper towel.
To a large bowl, add the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Stir until well blended.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss until well coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them, and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer, let cool, then enjoy!

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Drumsticks:

To a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set the seasoning mixture aside. Add frozen chicken drumsticks to a plastic bag and drizzle with olive oil.
Add the frozen chicken drumsticks to a plastic bag and top with the seasoning mixture. Close the bag and shake the bag until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip them, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer, let cool, then enjoy!

Notes

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in a preheated air fryer of 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Pro Tips:

For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer and do not stack. Cook in batches if needed.
The USDA recommends that all chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by an internal food thermometer.
The air fryer used in this recipe was the Instant Vortex Plus 6 quart. Since all air fryers cook differently, you may have to adjust the cook time slightly.

Nutrition