• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Flexible Fridge

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Mastering the Air Fryer
  • Blogging resources
  • Portfolio
×

Air fryer chicken drumsticks

March 22, 2022 by Susan ~ The Flexible Fridge Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

276 shares
Jump to Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks on plate

It’s no secret that chicken drumsticks make a great family meal. They’re affordable, easy to cook, and everyone usually enjoys them. But if you’re looking to add a little variety to your meal rotation, why not try air frying them? Air frying is a healthy cooking method that results in juicy, crispy chicken drumsticks. And the best part is that it’s easy to do; even beginners can get the hang of it in no time. So if you’re looking for a new way to cook up some delicious chicken drumsticks, be sure to check out this air fryer basic chicken drumsticks recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients

Air fryer drumsticks ingredients
  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Dried sage
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt

Instructions

Air Fryer Chicken drumsticks ingredients
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Stab the chicken with a sharp knife so that the seasoning can penetrate it.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the chicken drumsticks, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried thyme, dried sage and black pepper.
  4. Rub each chicken drumstick with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Cook for 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  6. After 22 minutes, it is ready to be served.

Recipe tips

Chicken Drumsticks in the air fryer

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the chicken in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven. Cook for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

You can also use this spice rub on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish. We like to serve ours with a simple green salad and roasted potatoes.

Substitutions

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticksbeing held up

If you don’t have olive oil or avocado oil, you can use any other type of cooking oil.

You can also use a different type of spice mixture if you prefer. We like to use this simple recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.

FAQS

How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer for 22 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip once halfway through cooking.

Can I bake the chicken instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

What should I serve with air fried chicken drumsticks?

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish. We like to serve ours with a simple green salad and roasted potatoes.

My chicken was dry, why is that?

Your chicken may be dry for a few reasons. First, make sure you’re using skin-on chicken. This will help to keep the chicken moist while it cooks. Second, be sure to not overcook the chicken. Cook for 22 minutes or until cooked through.

I don’t have some of the spices listed, can I leave them out?

Yes, you can leave out any spice you don’t have. However, we recommend including them if possible as they really add a lot of flavor to the dish!

What else can I use this spice rub on?

This spice rub is also great on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any type of cooking oil for this recipe.

Chicken Drumsticks in the air fryer

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

What other herbs and spices of this recipe be?

The recipe can be made with any number of different herbs and spices. Some other options include: chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that you like best!

How do I cook turkey drumsticks in air fryer?

This is a great recipe for cooking turkey drumsticks in the air fryer! The skin gets nice and crispy while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 4 turkey drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Drumsticks are a basic chicken dish that can be made in so many ways. In this post, we’ve shown you how to make them in an air fryer with a simple seasoning. If you have an air fryer, these drumsticks are definitely worth trying out. And if you don’t have one yet, now might be the perfect time to invest! We hope you enjoy this recipe. Have you tried making chicken drumsticks in your air fryer? What is your favorite way to season them?

Print
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks are a great beginner food to air fry. They’re affordable, easy to cook, and delicious. If you’ve never cooked with an air fryer before, chicken drumsticks are a great place to start. Follow our simple recipe below for tender, juicy chicken that will have your taste buds singing. Give this dish a try for your next family dinner or party and let us know what you think!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Air fryer Chicken drumsticks
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 306kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 8 Chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried sage
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp Onion powder
  • ¼ tsp Dried garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Stab the chicken with a sharp knife so that the seasoning can penetrate it.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the chicken drumsticks, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried thyme, dried sage and black pepper. 
  • Rub each chicken drumstick with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  • After 22 minutes, it is ready to be served.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 328IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Sharing is caring!

276 shares

Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Susan. I love cooking and am on the hunt to make recipes that are both delicious and fit into a busy life.

More about me →

Popular

  • Instant Pot Mozzarella Cheese

  • Relax and Enjoy These 6 Easy Air Fryer Dinners After Work

  • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on a fork
    7 Simple Air Fryer Dinners to Help You Unwind After a Long Day

  • 6 Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Desserts Every Busy Mom Needs This Summer!

May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Jul    

Privacy Policy

Footer

↑ back to top

Privacy Policy

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

COPYRIGHT © 2022 THE FLEXIBLE FRIDGE

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in