Is there anything better than bacon? Well, maybe bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks. This is the perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. They’re easy to make and everyone will love them!
Jump to:
Why make Bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks
Air fried bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are a great way to uplift the common favorite drumstick. They’re delicious and relatively simple to make. Plus, they’re perfect for any time you want something straightforward, but delicious. The bacon allows the chicken legs to stay moist while still giving that amazing crispy taste we all love.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks
- Bacon
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Olive oil
How to make Bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks
- The preparation is the most time-consuming part because you’ll need to individually wrap each drumstick in bacon. You can also remove the skin from the chicken legs (for a less fattier option), but leaving it on will make your dish easier to make.
- Begin the recipe by marinating the chicken with paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While waiting for your air fryer, begin wrapping the bacon around the chicken drumstick, starting from the thickest part (3 or 4 per drumstick). Once the bacon is wrapped, place a cocktail stick through the bacon to keep it in place. The bottom of the drumstick shouldn’t have any bacon covering it. This helps ensure that your chicken doesn’t burn while cooking in the oven.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks into your preheated air fryer basket and set a timer for 20 minutes. On the 10th minute flip so that they cook evenly.
- You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure your bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are cooked through without any worry of undercooking it!
- Take out of the air fryer basket and serve the bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks immediately alongside potatoes, vegetable salad, or other side dishes of your choice.
FAQs about this recipe ![]()
How can I make these drumsticks less fatty?
There is a lot of fat in this recipe because bacon has a high percentage of it. That’s part of why we love bacon! But for those who want a lower fat content, you can remove the skin from the chicken.
What can I use instead of bacon?
You can also use turkey bacon instead of pork to reduce the calorie count even further. They’re also great with soy-based meat alternatives! Just keep in mind that using another type of meat will change the flavor so be sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly.
What do you serve with bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks?
This dish goes well with a variety of side dishes. Common suggestions include potatoes or French fries, salad, roasted vegetables or mushrooms, sautéed spinach, and green beans! You can even serve it on a bed of rice if you prefer.
What shall I do with leftovers?
Leftover bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are best served cold so they’re great for lunchboxes or picnics! They’ll last in the fridge for about three days so there’s no need to worry if you have extras after cooking this dish .
Can I freeze?
You can freeze them if you want to keep them for longer, but make sure they’re wrapped up really well.
What other meats can I use instead of chicken?
This dish works very well with turkey or beef, either in place of or alongside the chicken legs. It’s also possible to substitute with pork chops if you want something different, just keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the recipe. You can even try using lamb legs or wings if you prefer these meats over bacon-wrapped drumsticks!
Are there any other ingredients I could add?
You can sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top if you want to add a cheesy taste! Other seasonings such as black pepper, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper can be added for extra richness. Adding BBQ sauce is another great idea.
Is it possible to overcook these chicken legs? Will they be too dry if I cook them a little too long?
Yes, they will be dry if you leave them in the air fryer for too long. Be sure to follow the recipe for the most juiciest end result!
How do I know when they’re done?
The best way to tell if your bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are ready is to use a meat thermometer. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 Celsius) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken leg. You can also check by cutting a slit through one of the drumsticks and making sure no pink juice comes out.
Can you put raw drumsticks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw drumsticks in an air fryer. You’ll want to preheat the air fryer to 390° F before you begin.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer or prefer not to use one, feel free to bake them instead! Just put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
How many bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks can you cook in an air fryer?
This depends on the size of your drumsticks and the capacity of your air fryer. In general, you can cook six at a time.
These bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are simple to prepare and cook, they also offer an unforgettable flavor. Just imagine taking a bite out of something warm and crispy covered in rich smoky bacon!
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try my Jerk Chicken or Air fryer Tempeh!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 21 bacon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- The preparation is the most time-consuming part because you'll need to individually wrap each drumstick in bacon.
- Begin the recipe by marinating the chicken with paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While waiting for your air fryer, begin wrapping the bacon around the meatier part of the chicken drumstick, starting from the thickest part (3 or 4 per drumstick). Once the bacon is wrapped place a cocktail stick through the bacon to keep it in place.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks into your preheated air fryer basket and set a timer for 20 minutes. On the 10th minute flip so that they cook evenly.
- You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure your bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are cooked through without any worry of undercooking it!
- Take out of the air fryer basket and serve the bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks immediately alongside potatoes, vegetable salad, or other side dishes of your choice.
Leave a Reply