These crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken drumsticks are quick and easy to make. They’re seasoned with simple dry ingredients and cooked to a crispy perfection in just 30 minutes.
If you’re in a pinch for a quick and healthy meal, this air fryer chicken legs recipe is for you! Air fried drumsticks are keto friendly, with no breading and best-of-all, no oil! My kids love how crispy, juicy and flavorful they are.
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Ingredients
Chicken - I use only drumsticks, but you may also use chicken leg quarters (which includes the drumstick and thigh). What’s great about cooking chicken with “skin on” is there is no need to add additional oil - the fat from the skin is enough!
Seasoning - I use easy pantry-staple seasonings; salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
Equipment
Air Fryer - I have a Phillips XXL analog air fryer which has a 6 portion food capacity.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 for 5 minutes.
- Pat and dry the chicken, season the drumsticks evenly with the dry seasonings.
- Add the drumsticks in a single layer in the fryer basket, allow some space between each drumstick. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry in batches.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes (for medium sized drumsticks) or until golden crispy and internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 Fahrenheit. Flip halfway through.
Tips for Delicious Drumsticks
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure you leave space between the meat for the heat to distribute and evenly crisp up the skin.
- Place the chicken in a single layer, do not stack them. This helps prevent the skin and meat from steaming.
- Clean your air fryer basket and tray prior to cooking, otherwise any residual oils and crusts may cause excess smoking from the air fryer.
Serve this delicious chicken with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables or salad! Love these air fryer chicken drumsticks as much as I do? Rate and comment below to show me some love!
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More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs - Flavorful and healthy meatballs in 20 minutes.
- Air Fryer Panko Chicken Wings – Delicious and crispy wings, great for appetizers!
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato – “Bake” a whole sweet potato in the air fryer for a healthy snack.
- Air Fryer Beef Taquitos – Crunchy tasty taquitos, a great snack or quick meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks about 9 medium sized drumsticks
- ¾ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Dry the chicken thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Season the drumsticks evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Add drumsticks to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Making sure to leave some space in between the drumsticks.
- Air fry for 18-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip halfway through.
Notes
- Different air fryer models may vary in cooking times and temperature.
- Cook in batches as needed, I have a Philips XXL which fits 9 drumsticks comfortably.
- Clean your air fryer basket and tray prior to cooking, otherwise any residual oils and crusts may cause excess smoking from the air fryer.
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