This is one of my favorite meals I have made in the air fryer. Everyone loves really great flavorful Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks. Today, I made a juicy batch and my entire family fell in love with them.
I love chicken legs or drumsticks because they are really a budget meal. I usually can find them on sale for about 99 cents a pound. Which meals are a really budget-friendly meal, especially since I have two teenage boys.
The skin crisps up really nicely in the air fryer. It provides a delicious dinner.
Easy Cajun Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with these easy Cajun chicken drumsticks. Start by marinating the drumsticks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of Cajun spices, which typically include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the drumsticks soak up these bold flavors for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense taste.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. These drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pair wonderfully with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the kick of Cajun seasoning and the juicy, tender chicken that makes this dish a hit with everyone!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
Here are the simple ingredients, to make a batch of Cajun Chicken Legs In Air Fryer:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Chicken Drumsticks: These serve as the main protein, offering a juicy and flavorful base that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: Helps to coat the drumsticks, allowing the Cajun spices to adhere better and promoting a crispy texture.
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, which adds a bold, spicy flavor to the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the spicy Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its robust and aromatic taste.
- Paprika: Provides a sweet and smoky flavor, as well as a vibrant red color to the drumsticks.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy heat to the drumsticks, which can be adjusted to taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors and ensure the chicken is well-seasoned throughout.
How To Make Cajun Chicken Legs In Air Fryer
These easy-to-make Cajun chicken drumsticks, perfectly cooked in the air fryer!
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
Arrange the Drumsticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated drumsticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the Drumsticks: Air fry the chicken drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Cajun chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips For Air-Fried Cajun Drumsticks
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the drumsticks to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to ensure it reaches the right temperature before cooking.
- Even Coating: Ensure the drumsticks are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer without overlapping them in the air fryer basket.
- Turn Halfway Through: Turn the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after air frying.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
- Crispier Skin: Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before marinating.
- Oil Spray: Lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking oil before air frying.
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and proper seasoning absorption.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to cook Cajun chicken drumsticks? Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to cook the drumsticks. This temperature ensures a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
How long should I cook the Cajun chicken drumsticks in the air fryer? Cook the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I prevent the drumsticks from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make the Cajun seasoning from scratch? Yes, you can make Cajun seasoning from scratch by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the proportions to your taste preference.
How do I store and reheat leftover drumsticks? Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Can I use skinless drumsticks for this recipe? Yes, you can use skinless drumsticks, but the skin helps to achieve a crispier texture. Without the skin, the drumsticks will still be flavorful but less crispy.
Can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun seasoning? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.
What sides pair well with Cajun chicken drumsticks? These drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. These sides complement the spicy and flavorful chicken.
Is it necessary to marinate the drumsticks? Marinating is recommended for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. If short on time, even a quick marinade will add some flavor.
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Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt , adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated drumsticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the chicken drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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Elizabeth
My husband loves this recipe 👏🏼