Juicy, crispy, and budget-friendly
Chicken drumsticks are a weeknight favorite: affordable, flavorful, and perfect for the air fryer. These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with simple seasoning and very little oil.
They’re great for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want classic comfort food without frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy skin with minimal oil
- Ready in 25–30 minutes
- Budget-friendly cut
- Simple pantry spices
- Easy cleanup
Recommended Air Fryers for This Recipe
Large Capacity & Family Cooking
Drumsticks need space so the skin crisps evenly.
NinjaLarge-Capacity Air Fryer
✔ Ideal for drumsticks, wings, and family meals
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
High Heat & Even Crisping
High temperature helps render fat and crisp the skin beautifully.
TurboBlaze Premium Air Fryer (Ceramic Coating)
✔ Great for chicken legs and roasted meats
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, …
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dis…
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and he…
Small Kitchens & Quick Batches
Cooking for one or two? A compact air fryer works perfectly.
ChefmanMini Air Fryer
✔ Space-saving and beginner-friendly
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can c…
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no …
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its coun…
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: chili powder or dried herbs
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Dry skin = crispier results.
Step 2: Season
Place drumsticks in a bowl. Add olive oil and all seasonings. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
Arrange drumsticks in a single layer.
Cook for 18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Extra Crisp
Increase temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook 7–10 minutes more until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 3 minutes, then serve hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Dry the skin well before seasoning
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Finish at high heat for crisp skin
Serving Ideas
These drumsticks pair well with:
- Air fryer fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw or salad
- Garlic bread or rice
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 4–5 minutes
- Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are simple, satisfying, and perfect for everyday cooking. With crisp skin and juicy meat, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort.