Air Fried Chicken Legs–This is one of the easiest and tastiest chicken dishes that I have made in the air fryer. It takes minimal ingredients, and it’s a great time-saver on a weeknight, where you are heading to kid’s activities or running home late. Air Fryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious drumstick recipe that kids and adults will both be reaching for one more drumstick.
My kids love traditional fried chicken, but it’s not that healthy, and it’s really greasy. Now comes in the air fryer, you can get the same flavor, but without all of the added fat and cholesterol.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks
The chicken’s flavor is amazing, and I have found that making chicken in the air fryer really keeps it moist and delicious. I was actually astonished and delighted that when I made my Italian Parmesan crusted chicken, the chicken was not dried, and you didn’t need any dipping sauce like you need when it’s baked in the oven.
The coating on this chicken comes out nice and crispy, while the inside is nice and moist. And since the cost of drumsticks is low, for chicken, it becomes a nice budget-friendly meal. You can also make large batches, and it serves well at family reunions, BBQs, holidays, and just for big family dinners. It also stays well; if you want to make a batch on Sunday night, it will keep well until Tuesday. So, it’s a keeper for a make-ahead meal.
Just a word of the (affiliate link) Kentucky Kernel, it’s an amazing product that comes in a huge line of flavors (I don’t know if a lot of people know this). Still, they have flavors from the original, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Garlic & Herb, and Gluten-Free.
How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Montreal Chicken Seasoning
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive Oil
Simple Directions:
- First, rub your oil over the chicken.
- Then season both sides of the chicken with the seasonings above, or use your own blend.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 F for about 4 minutes.
- Place your chicken into the air fryer basket, and air fry for 10 minutes, then flip to the other side and air fry for another 10 minutes.
- Check with a meat thermometer that your chicken has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.. If not, add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes and then plate and serve and most importantly, enjoy!
Expert Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Feel free to play around with spices to find what works for you. Chicken is very versatile, so any of your favorite spices or spice rubs could be a perfect fit.
- Make sure you get all sides of the chicken covered in the oil before applying the seasoning. This is going to help the spices and flour stick to the meat.
- Leave spaces between each drumstick. Do not overlap chicken, or you will not get an even cook on the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees internal temperature. Please do not touch the bone when you check, or it can give you a false reading.
- Ensure you spray chicken, or it will not brown up and will stay pale colored.
Meal Prep And Storing Drumsticks
If you want to meal prep with this chicken recipe, you can. Just cook up your chicken and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. Pair with rice, mixed vegetables, or any other side dish you might want. Then use these to heat up and eat for lunch or dinners throughout the week.
You can also freeze leftover chicken if you want to save it for later on down the line. Just place in a vacuum-sealed bag or any freezer approved bag or container. Then freeze the chicken for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and then reheat as you would like.
Common Questions About Air Frying Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Can I Make This In The Oven?
Yes, of course, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F, and bake for about 40-50 minutes, flip them about halfway. Check your meat with a meat thermometer.
How to Know Chicken Is Done?
You will know by using a meat thermometer to check to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally. The other way to tell is that the juices run clear, and there is no pink color when you slice into the chicken. I always recommend a meat thermometer to ensure you do not eat undercooked chicken.
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken For Air Frying
Go right ahead and use a different cut of chicken. You will adjust the cooking time to fit the size of the meat. If you have larger and thicker cuts of the chicken, it will vary on the cooking time. But you can follow the same directions on how to coat the chicken.
How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
Start by coating the drumsticks with olive or avocado oil and then season the drumsticks with your spices. Put the drumsticks into the air fryer in a single layer, spacing them apart. Cook for 12 minutes, turn legs or drumsticks over and air fry for another 10-12 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Plate, serve, and enjoy!
What To Serve With Fried Chicken?
Chicken is a great protein cause it pairs with almost everything—pasta salad, potato salads, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, and more. Reach for any of your favorite sides and create a meal that will feel like you ordered takeout from your favorite restaurants.
Some Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks-
- Try to buy the same size drumsticks, as they will air fry at the same time.
- Do not crowd the basket, as they will not cook evenly. Make sure the chicken drumsticks are in a single layer in the basket.
- If you want crispy skin, rub some baking powder over the chicken leg.
Interested in more chicken recipes
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken | Spiced up chicken tastes so much better than any takeout you can order. This sauce will blow your mind when paired with this chicken.
- Parmesan Ranch Tenders | Chicken tenders are always welcome in my home. Perfectly battered chicken that is air fried to crispy perfection. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Air Fryer Naked Wings | Make the perfect wings at home. This naked wing is a great one for game day snacking or an easy dinner. Eat plain or pair with your favorite dipping sauces.
SOME HELPFUL PRODUCTS, USED IN MAKING THIS RECIPE
| Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. |
INSTANT VORTEX PLUS AIR FRYER 6 IN 1, BEST FRIES EVER, DEHYDRATOR, 6 QT, 1500W
BASTING BRUSH SILICONE PASTRY BRUSH SET OF 4 COOKING BRUSHES BASTE OIL BUTTER SAUCE MARINADES FOR BBQ GRILL BARBEQUE KITCHEN BAKING PASTRIES
Don’t Forget To Pin, Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks–
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is one of my first air fryer recipes. It has a ton of flavor and it’s easy to prepare, it’s one of my budget meals because I usually stock up on drumsticks (legs) when they are about 99 cents a pound. My kids love them, and they are so easy to make and absolutely delicious. Easy and fast.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Montreal Chicken Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds of chicken drumsticks
- oil, to rub on the chicken,
Instructions
- First rub your oil, over the chicken.
- Then season both sides of the chicken with the seasonings above, or use your own blend.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 F, for about 4 minutes.
- Place your chicken into the air fryer basket, and air fry for 10 minutes, then flip to the other side and air fry for another 10 minutes.
- Check with a meat thermometer that your chicken has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F., if not add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes and then plate and serve and most importantly enjoy!
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Great recipe….Its definitely going to be a go to in our home from now on. The only thing I chose to do differently was after cooking for 6 minutes at 300 dgrees F, I did step 1 of cooking at 390 for 10 minutes allover again as my chicken was not crispy enough as I used larger organic drumsticks that we managed to come across on sale for $2.33 for 5 puece at our lical neighborhood wal-mart grocery.
Same thing here. The walmart drumsticks we had in the 4lb bag are huge. Temp was only 137F so put in another 8 mins on 390F. Tasted great
Do you put parchment or aluminum foil under the basket in your air fryer?
Always use parchment paper.
It makes clean up a snap, and you won’t damage the coating in your basket from scrubbing it clean.