Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are foolproof, budget-friendly, and quick to make, a real game-changer for weeknight dinners. You only need a handful of pantry staples and there’s no need to heat up the whole kitchen. They come out golden on the outside, juicy inside, and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Chicken drumsticks are budget-friendly, flavorful, and cook quickly, making them ideal for busy evenings. The air fryer helps you get that crispy texture without deep frying, which means less oil and a lot less mess. No breading or flour needed—just a good seasoning rub and a few turns in the air fryer. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for weeknights when time is short, or even for meal prepping ahead.

Another bonus is that kids love them. There’s something about eating drumsticks with your hands that makes them extra fun—especially with a dipping sauce. You can keep the seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and paprika or try something bold like Cajun seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken drumsticks – Look for drumsticks that are close in size so they cook evenly. Skin-on is best for crispiness, but if you prefer skinless, you can use them too—just know the texture will be slightly different. If using frozen chicken, let it thaw completely and pat it dry with paper towels.

• Olive oil – I use a good quality olive oil or avocado oil for browning the legs and adding extra flavor.

• Seasonings – A simple mix of cajun spices, cayenne, salt, and black pepper works well. Feel free to adjust to your taste. You can also try garlic and onion powder give depth, smoked paprika to add warmth and a hint of smokiness, or curry powder or turmeric for something different.

• Tomato paste – It adds an umami flavor to the chicken legs as well as a bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Set your air fryer to 392°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes, while preparing your chicken drumsticks.

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, tomato paste, and your chosen seasonings until evenly coated.

Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and cook for an additional 12minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Depending on the size of your drumsticks and your air fryer, you might need 2–3 extra minutes.

Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices to redistribute.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Dry the Chicken Well – Moisture on the surface of the drumsticks will stop them from crisping up. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry before adding oil and seasoning. It only takes a minute but makes a huge difference.

• Use a Light Hand with Oil – Too much oil can lead to soggy skin. A tablespoon is more than enough for 10-12 drumsticks. You just need enough to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.

• Leave Space in the Basket – Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so if the chicken pieces are overlapping, they won’t crisp evenly. Cook in batches if you need to.

• Flip for Even Crispines – Turning the drumsticks halfway through helps both sides brown evenly. If your air fryer has hot spots, rotating the drumsticks during cooking can help too.

• Check the Temp, Not Just the Time – Different air fryer models cook at slightly different rates. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to be sure—you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C).

• Let Them Rest Before Serving – A short rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute. If you cut into the chicken right away, the juices might run out and leave the meat dry.

Serving Ideas for Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks

These crispy drumsticks are great on their own, but even better with the right sides or dips. Here are a few simple pairings:

Simple Sides:

• Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes or Crispy Air Fryer New Potatoes

• Creamy Fish Taco Slaw

• Air Fryer Asparagus or Broccoli

• Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Sauces That Work Well:

• Honey mustard

• BBQ sauce

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

• Spicy mayo or sriracha-lime yogurt

Want to make it a meal prep hero? Pair the drumsticks with a grain (like Bulgur Pilavi – Turkish Bulgur Rice Pilaf or couscous) and a veggie, and you’ve got lunch sorted for a few days.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’ve made a big batch or just have a few pieces left over, here’s how to store and enjoy them later without losing texture or flavor.

How to Store

Let the drumsticks cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat:

• Air Fryer: This is the best way to bring the crisp back. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 6-8 minutes.

• Microwave: Not recommended for keeping crispness, but works in a pinch. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts until warm.

If you want to reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the air fryer or oven. You can air fry from frozen too, but it will take a bit longer and might not get as crispy.

Nutritional Information (per drumstick):

• Calories: 140-200 kcal

• Protein: 18–22g

• Fat: 10–14g

• Carbohydrates: 0–2g (depending on seasoning)

• Fiber: 0g

• Sodium: Varies based on seasoning (approx. 300–450mg)

Dietary Considerations:

• Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Yes (skip sweet marinades or sauces)

• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just double-check spice blends

• Dairy-Free: Yes, no dairy involved

• Paleo-Friendly: Yes, if using clean seasonings and oils

Recipe FAQs