Thanks to their dark meat, chicken drumsticks offer a richer flavor profile, stay moist, and are less prone to drying out. Plus, when cooked in an air fryer, you get the best of both worlds: crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat inside. Better yet, the process of making them is super fast and easy with a quick 30-minute marinade and cooking at a higher temp to help the skin crisp up perfectly in just 20 minutes. The results are crispier than baked chicken in less time, with way less oil than fried, and less mess, too. Plus, if you’re forgetful like me, you can even cook frozen drumsticks in the air fryer! You can add them to your rotation of delicious chicken recipes like air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer chicken breast.
How to make air fryer chicken drumsticks
Follow this foolproof method for delicious chicken drumsticks in an air fryer in under 30 minutes (marinating time not included)! Marinate the chicken: Begin by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl or dish. In a small bowl, mix oil and spices thoroughly. Coat the chicken with the mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours, for enhanced flavor. Even a short marination time will significantly enhance the flavor of the air fryer drumsticks. Cook the drumsticks: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, optionally spraying lightly with cooking spray. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. To ensure the chicken is properly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding touching any bones. The temperature should read 170ºF/77ºC minimum. If it’s not ready, cook it for a few more minutes and check again. Once cooked, remove the fried chicken drumsticks from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and settle. Then serve and enjoy!
What to serve with air fryer chicken drumsticks
Air fryer chicken drumsticks are an excellent all-purpose, versatile protein dish. Here are my favorite side dishes to enjoy alongside:
Potatoes: Mashed, baked, or even creamy au gratin potatoes. Salads: Fresh coleslaw adds a crisp contrast. Veggies: Enjoy alongside roasted broccoli & cauliflower, or asparagus. Dipping sauces: Raising Cane’s sauce, Garlic aioli, Alabama white sauce, etc.
Pair with your favorites for a satisfying meal! If you try this air fryer chicken legs recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
