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    Recipe Idea Shop » Recipes » Entrees

    Crispy, Juicy, and Finger-Lickin’ Good Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    by Kathy Owen

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    Air fryer chicken drumsticks are packed with flavor and ready in no time for a quick weeknight meal. Crispy outside and juicy inside!

    front view of air fryer chicken drumsticks on counter with lemon
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Some nights, especially when it's hot out, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven and heat up the whole kitchen.

    That’s where the air fryer comes in. No sweating over the stove, just quick, delicious chicken with barely any effort.

    Here’s why these air fryer chicken drumsticks are perfect for nights like that:

    • Juicy on the Inside: The air fryer gives you perfect texture without deep frying.
    • Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
    • Healthier Option: Uses less oil than traditional frying while still delivering amazing flavor and crunch.
    • Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults which make them perfect for picky eaters or casual dinners.
    • Customizable Flavors: Easily switch up the seasonings to match your mood or meal theme (BBQ, spicy, lemon pepper, and more!).
    chicken drumsticks in air fryer

    For another quick recipe, check out these tasty air fryer zucchini curly fries.

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this simple air fryer recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are all in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post).

    Ingredients: 

    • Chicken drumsticks 
    • Salt 
    • Black pepper 
    • Avocado oil 
    • Smoked paprika 
    • Onion powder 
    • Garlic powder 
    • Dried rosemary 
    ingredients for air fryer chicken drumsticks

    Instructions: 

    • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. 
    • Pat dry the chicken drumsticks using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin to become crispy. 
    • In a large bowl, add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary to the chicken drumsticks.  
    • Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with avocado oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. 
    drumsticks placed in mixing bowl
    • Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking. 
    • Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 380F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. 
    turning drumsticks in air fryer
    • Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. 
    top view of air fryer chicken drumsticks

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    vertical collage with air fryer chicken drumsticks
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    A white plate with seven seasoned and baked Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, garnished with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and thyme sprigs, set on a woven placemat.

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Author: Recipe Idea Shop

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    Prep : 10 minutes mins
    Cook : 20 minutes mins
    Total Time: 30 minutes mins
    Servings : 4 servings

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 7 Chicken drumsticks 
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon Avocado oil
    • 2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon Dried rosemary

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. 
    • Pat dry the chicken drumsticks using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
    • In a large bowl, add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary to the chicken drumsticks.  
    • Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with avocado oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. 
    • Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
    • Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 380F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. 
    • Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.   

    Nutrition (may vary depending on ingredients and amounts used)

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 278.13kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.32g | Protein: 23.56g | Fat: 19.45g | Saturated Fat: 4.08g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.65g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.89g | Trans Fat: 0.06g | Cholesterol: 121.89mg | Sodium: 720.31mg | Potassium: 328.76mg | Fiber: 0.49g | Sugar: 0.13g | Vitamin A: 555.25IU | Vitamin C: 0.08mg | Calcium: 18.42mg | Iron: 1.11mg

    Notes

    Experiment with different spice blends to suit your taste preferences.  
    Try variations with cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a BBQ rub. 
    Like this recipe?We Have More Here!
    A close-up of seasoned and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Text at the top reads Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks.

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    About Kathy Owen

    Hi, I’m Kathy! I grew up on a farm in Arkansas where a massive family garden was the center of Summer life. Homemade meals with fresh ingredients and our family gathered around the dinner table for meals was the norm. Here, I share the comfort food recipes I love, practical ways to use up leftovers, and simple, everyday meals your family will actually eat.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes
    1. Kathy Owen says

      August 08, 2025 at 8:06 pm

      My family loved this!

    2. Esme Slabbert says

      August 15, 2025 at 12:35 pm

      Love a great chicken dish and AF so much the better
      Thank you for linking to SSPS 373. See you again Monday

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