The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1

Use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry for the marinade to adhere better. Then transfer the chicken to a large bowl or dish.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the oil and all the spices, and mix well.

Step 3

Pour the mixture over the chicken and use your hands (wear gloves if preferred) to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated.

Step 4

Cover the dish with plastic wrap (cling film) and refrigerate it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, if you're low on time, up to 12 hours.You can technically bake it immediately, but even 30 minutes of marinating will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the air fryer drumsticks!

Step 5

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.

Step 6

Spread the drumsticks on the bottom of your air fryer (optionally lightly spray it with cooking spray first) in a single layer with a bit of space in between. Cook in multiple batches if necessary.

Step 7

Air fry the drumsticks for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway.To ensure the chicken is properly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding touching any bones. The temperature should read 170ºF/77ºC minimum. If it's not ready, cook it for a few more minutes and check again.

Step 8

Remove the air-fried chicken legs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 10 minutes for the juices to redistribute/settle. Then, enjoy the delicious air fryer chicken drumsticks with your sides of choice!

Step 9

Preheat the air fryer to 360ºF/180ºC and rub the marinade over the frozen chicken legs.If the chicken is very icy or stuck together, first rinse it under cold running water to get rid of excess ice and pat it dry with clean paper towels. Alternatively, if they’re stuck, place them in the air fryer while it preheats.

Step 10

Transfer the drumsticks to your air fryer basket in a single layer, with a bit of space in between (this is important for crispy skin).

Step 11

Air fry the frozen chicken legs for between 25-35 minutes, flipping it at 15 minutes (the exact time will depend on the size of the drumsticks and your exact air fryer). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 170ºF/77ºC.

Step 12

Store: Allow the chicken to cool (for no longer than 2 hours), then transfer it to a covered dish/airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.Freeze: Flash freeze the cooked drumsticks (not touching) on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying them, chilled or reheated.Reheat: You can reheat the meat either in the microwave (in 20-30 second increments) or air fry the chicken legs once more until heated through and crispy.