Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks – Budget Bytes

When I’m on a tight budget, chicken drumsticks are usually my go-to for dinner. They’re inexpensive and can easily be purchased in small quantities or in a large package. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are, however, a new favorite of mine. Not only do they cook perfectly in the air fryer, but the skin also gets a tad bit crispy, which I love. Add this recipe to your rotation when you need a quick meal on those busy weeknights!😉

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This recipe is very similar to our Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe, except it cooks in almost half the time it takes to bake in an oven. I also used the same spice seasoning blend minus the cayenne pepper, but feel free to keep the cayenne in if you like a little heat. I love using my air fryer where possible, especially if my oven is already in use. Not to mention, it can work out much cheaper than using the oven. This means I can make my family’s favorite chicken drumsticks in less time AND save a bit of money in the process!

Seasoning Variations to Try

I like the simple mix of seasonings I use on these air fryer chicken drumsticks. It’s just enough to add flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. But you can easily switch the seasonings or use a pre-made mix for a different taste! Here are some ideas I think you’ll love:

Recipe Success Tips

1. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. My air fryer was big enough to fit in 5 drumsticks without any overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
2. Preheat your air fryer! You wouldn’t use your oven without preheating it (I hope!!), and the same concept applies to your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
3. Check your chicken is done using a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature. I try and aim for 175°F. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has had a chance to break down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy. Be careful not to hit the bone with the thermometer, as it can give an inaccurate reading.

Serving Suggestions

All together, these easy air fryer chicken drumsticks are a super simple way to prepare chicken legs for those busy weeknights. I served mine with a simple side salad as a quick and healthy dinner option. But I think they’d be delicious served with mac and cheese, steamed veggies, or even potato salad (perfect for a picnic!). My family also likes it when I serve them with a dipping sauce. BBQ sauce is our favorite!

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I’d pop them back into the air fryer preheated to 360ºF, or the recommended setting for your specific air fryer, until heated through.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks always turn out super juicy, with crispy seasoned skin, and are on the table in less than 30 minutes!

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• 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
• ½ tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
• ¼ tsp onion powder ($0.03)
• ½ tsp dried oregano ($0.05)
• ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.05)
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, optional* ($0.02)
• 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks, about 5-6 pieces** ($4.91)
• 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil ($0.33)

• Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

• Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle the oil over top. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.

• Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Air fry for 12 minutes on the first side. Flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

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• Air Fryer

• Meat Thermometer

* I did not add any cayenne pepper to my seasoning mix, but if you like a little bit of heat go ahead and mix it in!
** Chicken drumsticks often come in packs of 5 or 6 pieces depending on how many pounds it weighs. My drumsticks were pretty big. This recipe will work with 5 or 6 drumsticks (about 2 lbs. total).

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 32gFat: 21gSodium: 422mgFiber: 0.3g

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how to make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks – step by step photos

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper to a bowl and mix until combined. If using, you can also add ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper to the bowl (optional).

Place 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks (about 5-6 pieces) in a bowl and drizzle with 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning rub over the top of the chicken.

Using clean hands or kitchen tongs, toss the drumsticks until they’re evenly coated in the olive oil and spices.

Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. You want to make sure there’s enough room for the air to circulate around the drumsticks. Air fry them for 12 minutes on the first side.

After 12 minutes, flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Remove your air fried chicken drumsticks from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal, and enjoy!