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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional for Serving:

  • BBQ sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Drumsticks:

  • Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy in the air fryer and allows the seasoning to stick better.
  • Rub the drumsticks with olive oil (or spray them with cooking spray) to ensure they crisp up during cooking.

2. Season the Drumsticks:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or oregano), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the drumsticks, making sure they are well-coated on all sides. If you have time, let them sit for 10-15 minutes to marinate and absorb the flavors, but you can cook them immediately as well.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the drumsticks cook evenly and get crispy.

4. Cook the Drumsticks:

  • Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows the air to circulate around the drumsticks, making them crispy.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. It should read 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
  • If you want extra crispy skin, spray the drumsticks with a little more olive oil halfway through or cook for a few extra minutes until the skin is golden brown.

5. Serve:

  • Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or a tangy blue cheese dressing. Pair with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (per drumstick, based on 6 drumsticks):

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 0g
    • Fiber: 0g
    • Net Carbs: 0g
  • Protein: 24g
  • WW Points: 4 (depends on oil and portion size)

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks:

  1. Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer gives the drumsticks a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the inside juicy and tender. You get the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, moist on the inside.
  2. Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of just 20-25 minutes, these drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. No need to turn on the oven or wait for hours.
  3. Healthier Option: Air frying requires very little oil, so these drumsticks are much lower in fat than deep-fried versions but still have all the flavor and crispiness.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. Try using lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or even a barbecue rub for different flavor profiles. Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
  5. Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch of these drumsticks for meal prep. They store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat easily in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Tips & Variations:

  • For Extra Crispy Skin: After cooking, you can broil the drumsticks in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes for even crispier skin. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
  • Spicy Drumsticks: Add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. Toss the cooked drumsticks in your favorite hot sauce or Buffalo sauce for a flavorful twist.
  • Marinate Ahead: If you have time, marinate the drumsticks in the seasoning mix for an hour or overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
  • Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: These drumsticks are naturally keto and low-carb, so feel free to pair them with a low-carb dipping sauce like ranch dressing or serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply ensure the seasoning mix is gluten-free (most are), or add a gluten-free breading option like almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to bake or fry them. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or just craving a tasty snack, these drumsticks are sure to satisfy. Enjoy!