These Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with smoky, garlicky flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a quick, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
If you’re craving crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of frying, these Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks are your new go-to. Infused with smoky paprika, savory garlic, and a touch of seasoning, they cook up perfectly golden and juicy in the air fryer.
Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re an effortless weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for stress-free weeknights.
- Crispy Exterior: Air frying locks in crispiness without deep frying.
- Juicy Inside: The drumsticks stay tender and full of flavor.
- Bold Flavor: Garlic and smoky paprika create a savory, irresistible taste.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, everyone will dig in.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Legs: Use the same size chicken drumsticks, so they all cook up at the same time. I used thawed chicken legs.
- Olive: Use any high-heat oil, such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. using high-heat oil will prevent your air fryer from smoking.
- Seasonings/Spices: Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks
Step One: Start by seasoning your drumsticks with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Dip your chicken drumsticks into the marinade.
Step Two: Coat the drumsticks. Add them to the Air Fryer Basket. Set the cook time for 12 minutes and your air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F.
Step Three: Flip your chicken drumsticks and set for another 8 minutes. Check your internal temperature of the chicken, which needs to be 165 degrees F. If not, add another 5 minutes.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tips
- Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Even Seasoning: Toss the drumsticks well in the garlic-paprika mix for consistent flavor.
- Single Layer Cooking: Give each drumstick space in the air fryer basket to cook evenly.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Extra Crisp: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra crunchy skin.
- Marinate Ahead: Let the drumsticks sit with seasoning for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Place cooled chicken drumsticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each drumstick tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through and skin is crispy. Alternatively, warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? Yes! Chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster than drumsticks.
Do I need to marinate the chicken? Marinating is optional, but letting the drumsticks sit with the garlic paprika seasoning for 30 minutes to a few hours enhances the flavor.
Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time? Absolutely! You can season the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I freeze these drumsticks? Yes, cooked drumsticks freeze well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Can I make these spicy? Sure! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
What should I serve with these drumsticks? They pair perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
More Easy Chicken Leg Recipes
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
Easy Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks (Legs)
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Follow me on Instagram @forktospoon, Facebook at Fork To Spoon TikTok @forktospoon or Pinterest at @forktospoon and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your 1 pound chicken drumsticks with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon oregano.
- Dip your chicken drumsticks into the marinade.
- Coat all of the drumsticks.
- Then add them to the Air Fryer Basket.
- Set the cook time for 12 minutes and your air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F.
- Flip your chicken drumsticks and set for another 8 minutes.
- Check your internal temperature of the chicken, which needs to be 165 degrees F. If not, add another 5 minutes
- Remove your chicken from the basket.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
