• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizers
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Drinks/Cocktails
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Method
      • Crockpot
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Air Fryer
      • Casseroles
    • Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • European
      • Indian
      • Romanian
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
      • American
    • Ingredient
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Beef
      • Seafood
      • Lamb
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Spices
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Thanksgiving
      • Game Day
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father's Day
      • 4th Of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
    • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • Shop
  • About Jo
FREE recipe eBook!
Display Search Bar Search...
All Recipes
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Soups
Dips & Dressings
Baking
Pasta
Sandwiches
Sides
Chicken Lunch Dinner Air Fryer 30 Minutes or Less
4.7 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •10/8/22 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for air fryer chicken drumsticks.

In about 30 minutes, these low-carb and keto-friendly Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks can be ready and on your table. For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this chicken has incredibly ultra crispy and flavorful skin on the outside, and super tender and juicy meat on the inside.

air fried chicken drumsticks in a basket of an air fryer.
Table of Contents Open
  • Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
  • Why You Should Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
  • Are Chicken Drumsticks Made In The Air Fryer Healthier?
  • Do I Need To Clean My Air Fryer After Every Use?
  • What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken In The Air Fryer?
  • Serve This With
    • KFC Coleslaw Recipe
    • Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
    • Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
    • Air Fryer French Fries
  • Expert Tips
  • Leftovers
    • Freezer
  • My Favorite Air Fryer
  • More Great Recipes To Try
    • Honey Soy Chicken
    • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
    • Beef Wellington
  • Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Here we go again with another incredible air fryer recipe, with that delicious deep fried taste but without all the fat. Now fried chicken doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure treat. This recipe is so simple to make and an extremely delicious meal that everyone will enjoy, I mean, who doesn’t love fried chicken, and the best part is all the that fried mess stays in the pot.

This quick and easy air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe is ideal when you’re in a hurry, and especially on a busy weeknight when getting dinner on the table can be hectic. Kids can be picky eaters but I don’t know any that wouldn’t jump to get some great fried chicken. Try pairing it with a side of ranch dressing, French fries, rice or something healthier like broccoli. If you like a dipping sauce, a hot sauce, or a BBQ sauce, serve that with it for a mix of flavors.

Why You Should Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer

  • CRISPY AND TENDER. The drumsticks come out so unbelievably crispy and tender using an air fryer.
  • HEALTHIER. This is probably the number 1 reason most people would choose to use an air fryer because it’s such a healthy way to get that “fried” taste without all the grease.
  • DELICIOUS. All the flavors are there as if it was deep fried. Add extra spices to your liking. A great tasting air fryer recipe that you’ll want to keep.
  • VIRTUALLY NO MESS. This is the best part. I love not having splatters of oil everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make chicken wings in the air fryer.
  • Chicken drumsticks – I used chicken drumsticks with the skin on, but other cuts you can use are chicken thighs, wings, or breasts. The cooking time will vary if using different cuts of meat, so adjust accordingly.
  • Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Use your own blend of your favorite spices.
  • Italian seasoning – I use my simple homemade Italian seasoning with a mixture of 5 herbs. Feel free to use store bought as well if that’s what you have.
  • Oil – I like to use a little olive oil to brush over the chicken legs. This is optional but I find the spice rub sticks to the chicken drumsticks better.

How To Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer

process shots showing how to make chicken drumsticks in the air fryer.
  1. Make the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Before starting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken drumsticks with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken all around with the rub mixture.
  3. Air fry the chicken. Place chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the drumsticks are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking, just keep an eye on them not to burn. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Are Chicken Drumsticks Made In The Air Fryer Healthier?

Yes! Air Fryer Chicken has ultra crispy skin, super tender meat, and are much healthier for you than a traditional recipe, because less oil, if any, is used.

Do I Need To Clean My Air Fryer After Every Use?

Ideally, you should clean your air fryer after every use in order to avoid charred food and gunk buildup. Feel free to wipe down your air fryer’s exterior after every few uses.

What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken In The Air Fryer?

I find that preheating the air fryer and cooking the chicken at 380°F is the best temperature for making the perfect fried-like chicken with crispy skin.

chicken drumsticks made in the air fryer on a bed of spinach on a white platter.

Serve This With

side view shot of a bowl of kfc coleslaw
15 mins

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

a spoon inside a bowl full of mac and cheese.
20 mins

Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

brown butter mashed potatoes in a big white bowl with a serving spoon inside.
30 mins

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

french fries in a basket with a small bowl with ketchup.
30 mins

Air Fryer French Fries

Expert Tips

  1. Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the internal temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the chicken is done!
  2. I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
  3. It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
  4. Cooking time may need adjusting as necessary if using really small versus really large drumsticks, or using different cuts of chicken. Don’t be scared to open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness.

Leftovers

Store leftover chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezer

To freeze, make sure to let the chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

gowise usa air fryer

My Favorite Air Fryer

I often get asked which air fryer I use so here’s the one I use on a regular basis.

Buy On Amazon
chicken drumsticks made in the air fryer on a bed of spinach on a white platter.

More Great Recipes To Try

honey soy chicken in a baking dish fresh out of the oven garnished with parsley.
3 hrs 3 mins

Honey Soy Chicken

cooked chicken thighs in the basket of an air fryer.
27 mins

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

3 cooked chicken breasts on a cutting board.
25 mins

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

a beef wellington with 2 slices cut on a cutting board.
3 hrs 20 mins

Beef Wellington

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

air fried chicken drumsticks in a basket of an air fryer.
Print
4.74 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 30 minutes
Rate Recipe
In about 30 minutes, these low-carb and keto-friendly Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks can be ready and on your table. For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this chicken has incredibly ultra crispy and flavorful skin on the outside, and super tender and juicy meat on the inside.
8

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin on)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Make the rub mixture. In a small bowl, combine together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Before starting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Brush each chicken drumsticks with olive oil on both sides. Generously sprinkle the chicken all around with the rub mixture.
  • Air fry the chicken. Place chicken drumsticks in the basket to air fry. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn them over and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. If you like the chicken to have crispy skin, and the drumsticks are not crispy enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes or until it’s to your liking, just keep an eye on them not to burn. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Equipment

  • GoWISE USA Air Fryer

Notes

  1. Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the internal temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the chicken is done!
  2. I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
  3. It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
  4. Cooking time may need adjusting as necessary if using really small versus really large drumsticks, or using different cuts of chicken. Don’t be scared to open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness.
  5. Store leftover chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  6. To freeze, make sure to let the chicken cool completely before you freeze it! Transfer it into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1drumstickCalories: 154kcal (8%)Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 13g (26%)Fat: 11g (17%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mg (23%)Sodium: 225mg (10%)Potassium: 183mg (5%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 163IU (3%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 13mg (1%)Iron: 1mg (6%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

air fried chicken drumsticks in a basket of an air fryer.

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 156
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

4 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Greg Halk
Greg Halk
Posted: 15 days ago

5 stars
Recipe is awesome! Super easy and quick! Made with sweet potatoes and creamed corn…..went back for seconds lol!

0
Reply
Rod
Rod
Posted: 20 days ago

5 stars
Good recipe for my Ninja air fryer. Chicken turned out crisp & very tasty

0
Reply
Rebecca
Rebecca
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
Great Drumsticks!! My Ninja Air Fryer does not g=stop on 380 degrees so I used 390 for 20 Min. Perfect!! Thank you!!

2
Reply
Judy
Judy
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
First time I’ve used an air fryer. Yours was the first recipe. Turned out so well. Thank you.

2
Reply

sidebar

Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
Collage of recipe ebooks
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

Pasta Favorites

baked mac and cheese in a black cast iron skillet.
45 mins

Baked Mac And Cheese

freshly made crack chicken penne with a wooden spoon in a skillet.
40 mins

Crack Chicken Penne

chicken pot pie pasta in a white serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon.
50 mins

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

freshly made one pot pasta in a dutch oven.
20 mins

One Pot Pasta

tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.
30 mins

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.
30 mins

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

baked feta pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh basil.
50 mins

Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)

sideview shot of chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl with a fork inside
45 mins

Chicken Fajita Pasta

side close up shot of swedish meatball pasta in a beige braised garnished with parsley
30 mins

Swedish Meatball Pasta

overhead shot of a bowl of haluski
40 mins

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

A stack of cookbooks
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Dinner Favorites

smothered pork chops in a skillet garnished with parsley.
1 hr 15 mins

Smothered Pork Chops

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
30 mins

Salisbury Steak

beef lo mein in a black wok.
30 mins

Beef Lo Mein

side shot of beef and broccoli in a skillet
15 mins

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

shepherd's pie in a skillet with a serving taken out of it.
1 hr 25 mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.
30 mins

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

side view shot of two italian stuffed peppers in a bowl
2 hrs 30 mins

Italian Stuffed Peppers

side view shot of a bowl with a scoop of spaghetti bolognese in it
40 mins

Spaghetti Bolognese

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz