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 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
- 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
- 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 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.
Expert Tips
- 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!
- I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
- It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
- 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.
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
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
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.
Recipe Notes
- 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!
- I kept the seasoning super simple, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own.
- It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer for best results.
- 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.
- Store leftover chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- 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.
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