These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate easy dinner—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. No babysitting the stove, no mess—just season, cook, and let the air fryer do all the work.
Perfect for weeknights when you want something simple but satisfying.
Ingredients 🛒
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (for heat)
- BBQ sauce or hot sauce for finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels (this helps crisp the skin).
2. Season
In a bowl, toss drumsticks with:
- Olive oil
- All spices
Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Preheat
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook
Place drumsticks in a single layer.
Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Crisp Them Up
Increase heat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5 minutes for extra crispy skin.
✔ Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C)
6. Serve
Serve as-is or brush with BBQ sauce for the last 2–3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Mashed potatoes or fries
- Roasted veggies
- Coleslaw or salad
- Rice or mac & cheese
Nutrition (Approximate per serving) 📊
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
✅ Pro Tip:
For even crispier skin, let the seasoned drumsticks sit uncovered in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cooking.