These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor-ready in just 30 minutes with hardly any cleanup! With the right time and temp, you'll get perfectly cooked bone-in chicken that tastes like it came off the grill. And yes, I'll even show you how to cook them from frozen when dinner needs to happen fast.
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Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks - I use 7 bone-in drumsticks. Patting them dry before seasoning is key to that crispy finish.
- Avocado oil - Helps the skin brown nicely. You can swap in olive oil if preferred.
- Salt + black pepper - Simple, but essential to bring out all the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika - Adds a smoky flavor that gives them that grilled, almost BBQ-style taste.
- Garlic powder + onion powder - These round out the savory profile and make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Dried rosemary - Optional, but adds a little herby freshness I love with roasted chicken.
- Optional: For an extra crispy coating, roll the drumsticks in a light layer of panko breadcrumbs before air frying. Spray lightly with oil on top.
- If you like this recipe, be sure to try my juicy wings and whole chicken in air fryer.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
Using Frozen Chicken Drumsticks
Cooking chicken drumsticks from frozen is totally possible. Just add 5-8 extra minutes and use a thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F.
How To Make Air Fryer Drumsticks
- Preheat the air fryer - Set it to 380°F (190°C) and let it run for 5 minutes. Getting the time and temp right ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
- Dry the chicken - Use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry. This step helps them get extra crispy.
- Season - In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Oil it up - Drizzle with avocado oil and toss again until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the basket - Lay the drumsticks in a single layer with space between. Don't overcrowd-it's important for crisping!
- Cook - Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temp should reach 165°F.
- Rest and enjoy - Let them sit a few minutes before serving. That helps the juices settle and keeps the meat tender.
Can I cook drumsticks from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by about 5-8 minutes and make sure the internal temp hits 165°F.
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Tips
- Preheat your air fryer - Starting with a hot basket helps get that crispy skin right from the start.
- Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking - This ensures even browning and the perfect crispy texture.
- Always pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning - Removing moisture helps the skin crisp up instead of steaming.
- Brushing with BBQ sauce near the end adds a smoky-sweet finish - Do this in the last 2-3 minutes so the sauce caramelizes, not burns.
- Adding a panko coating creates a crunchier texture - Roll drumsticks in seasoned panko and spray with oil before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect results - No guessing. Check that internal temp reaches 165°F every time.
- Switch up the seasoning to fit your mood - Cajun, lemon pepper, ranch, or Italian blends are all great here.
- Cook in batches if needed - Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or the skin won't crisp.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Pat the chicken dry, use a little oil, and don't overcrowd. Want more crunch? Try a panko coating!
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze. Let cool fully, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat. Pop back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again.
More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (190°C) and let it run for 5 minutes. Getting the time and temp right ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
- Dry the chicken: Use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry. This step helps them get extra crispy.7 chicken drumsticks
- Season: In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and rosemary.1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Oil it up: Drizzle with avocado oil and toss again until evenly coated.2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Arrange in the basket: Lay the drumsticks in a single layer with space between. Don't overcrowd-it's important for crisping!
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temp should reach 165°F.
- Rest and enjoy: Let them sit a few minutes before serving. That helps the juices settle and keeps the meat tender.
- If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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