Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)

Close-up of crispy, air fryer chicken drumsticks with a golden-brown, seasoned crust, arranged on crinkled parchment paper. The chicken is visually appealing with a mix of crispy skin and tender meat, showcasing a homemade, flavorful dish.

5 from 19 votes

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)

The ultimate juicy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe is right here! Absolutely packed with flavor, this easy chicken drumsticks recipe takes just minutes to throw together and is so simple. Perfect for Whole30, Paleo, Keto, and Gluten-Free diets.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: air fryer drumsticks, chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Servings: drumsticks

Calories: 119kcal

Author: Bethany Galloway

Ingredients

1.1 kg chicken drumsticks about 2.5 lbs
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/2-1 tsp salt

Instructions

Fresh or thawed drumsticks:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 200°C/392°F, and set the time to 25 minutes, allowing it to heat for 5 minutes.
Strain the drumsticks in a strainer and pat them dry with a paper towel.
1.1 kg chicken drumsticks
Place the drumsticks in a mixing bowl along with the spices and mix them well together.
1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2-1 tsp salt
After the air fryer has heated for 5 minutes, place the drumsticks in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer and turn the drumsticks with tongs.
Close the basket and air fry for another 10 minutes.
Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking it with a meat thermometer. It should read 75°C/165°F.

Frozen drumsticks:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 200°C/392°F, and set the time to 35 minutes, allowing it to heat for 5 minutes.
After the air fryer has heated for 5 minutes, place the drumsticks in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the air fryer basket from the air fryer, and using tongs place the drumsticks in a mixing bowl along with the spices. Mix them well together with a wooden spoon.
1.1 kg chicken drumsticks, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2-1 tsp salt
Place the drumsticks back in the basket with tongs and air fry for another 15 minutes.
Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking it with a meat thermometer. It should read 75°C/165°F.

Notes

Don't Overcrowd: Cooking in a single layer is key. If your air fryer is smaller, you might need to cook in batches.
Temperature Check: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is safely cooked.
Shake or Turn: Flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking ensures they get evenly crispy.
Let Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the juices locked in, making each bite extra tasty.

Storage and reheating instructions

- Refrigerate: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll last for up to 4 days.

- Cool Completely: Let the drumsticks cool down to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture build-up.

- Freeze for Later: For longer storage, wrap the drumsticks individually in foil or plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.

- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) until warmed through. This helps keep the skin crispy. Check out this post for all of my tips and tricks: How to Reheat Chicken Legs in an Air Fryer.

Nutrition