Air Fried Chicken Legs Recipe

This Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe are made with drumsticks, olive oil, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and air fried to perfection.

Everyone loves fried chicken. The air fryer is an amazing tool where you can fry without all that excess oils. It is absolutely delicious and makes this dish so family friendly. They will be fighting over who gets the last one. You can serve these with my Air Fried Bok Choy or my Air Fried Sweet Potatoes.

Air frying is a great alternative if you do not have a grill. It is so easy to make this chicken: you simply coat this chicken in olive oil and spices, and air fry them. They are so crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. This is one of the easiest recipes, especially if you are feeding a family. Not only is it tasty, it is also super healthy. This is an easy weeknight meal and fuss-free. I love to serve them with some broccoli on the side. This dish will become a part of your regular meals, all it takes it one time, and you’ll be hooked.

Jump to:

• Why You Should Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer
• Air Fried Chicken Legs Ingredients
• How to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks
• Substitutions
• What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Top tips
• Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
• Food safety

Why You Should Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer

• Healthier option: Air fryers use hot air to cook the food instead of oil, which can significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories in your food. Chicken drumsticks made in the air fryer can be a healthier option compared to deep-fried chicken.
• Quick and easy: Cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is quick and easy. It takes less time than cooking in an oven, and you don't need to preheat the air fryer for a long time. Simply season the chicken, place it in the air fryer, and you're good to go.
• Crispy skin: The hot air in the air fryer creates a crispy and golden brown skin on the chicken drumsticks, just like deep-frying, but without the excess oil.
• Evenly cooked: The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the chicken drumsticks, ensuring that they are evenly cooked on all sides.
• Versatile: Chicken drumsticks can be seasoned in many ways, making them a versatile option for any meal. Whether you want them spicy, sweet, or savory, the air fryer can help you achieve the perfect flavor.

Air Fried Chicken Legs Ingredients

• Chicken Legs or Drumsticks
• Olive Oil
• Baking Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Italian Seasoning

See recipe card for quantities for this Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe.

How to Air Fry Chicken Drumsticks

Hint: I love using my Ninja Air Fryer for this recipe, as it makes the skin so crispy and the inside so juicy.

Substitutions

Chicken Drumsticks: I used 4 drumsticks for this because it’s usually a smaller amount that fits in the air fryer. You can always cook in batches or use a bigger air fryer.

Olive oil: I love using olive oil for this recipe, although you can always use another oil like vegetable or sunflower oil. You could even use melted butter as the glue.

Baking powder: Baking powder is essential for getting the crispy skin on the chicken. It is a little cooking tip I have always used!

Spices: I used a combination of garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. If you like a spicier variation, feel free to add some paprika or cayenne pepper in there.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious and well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can be a healthy and flavorful side dish for chicken drumsticks. You can also toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings before roasting in the oven or air fryer.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy and seasoned potato wedges are a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken drumsticks. You can cut the potatoes into wedges, toss them with some olive oil and your favorite spices, then bake them in the oven or air fryer.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chicken drumsticks with a side of rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal. You can also add some vegetables or herbs to the rice or quinoa to enhance the flavor.
• Salad: A fresh salad can be a refreshing and healthy side dish for chicken drumsticks. You can toss together some greens, veggies, and a simple dressing for a quick and easy salad.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great side dish for summer meals. You can season the corn with butter and salt for a classic flavor, or try some herbs or spices for a twist.

Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Variations

Here are some variations to try with your air fryer chicken drumsticks:

• Spicy: For a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to your seasoning blend. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before cooking.
• BBQ: Brush the chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying for a smoky and sweet flavor.
• Lemon Herb: Mix together some lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a zesty and fragrant seasoning.
• Teriyaki: Marinate the chicken drumsticks in a teriyaki sauce before air frying for a sweet and savory taste. You can also brush some additional sauce over the chicken while cooking.
• Garlic Parmesan: Mix together some grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs for a crispy and cheesy coating on the chicken drumsticks.
• Cajun: Mix together some Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder for a spicy and flavorful coating on the chicken drumsticks.
• Honey Mustard: Mix together some honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy and sweet glaze on the chicken drumsticks.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Mole Chicken Thighs.

Equipment

To air fry chicken drumsticks, you will need an air fryer. I love using my Ninja Air Fryer for this recipe, as it makes the skin so crispy and the inside so juicy. Here are some other equipment and utensils that you may find useful:

• Tongs: You will need tongs to flip the chicken drumsticks halfway through cooking and to remove them from the air fryer when they are done.
• Instant-read thermometer: Using an instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way to check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks to ensure they are fully cooked. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Oil mister: Some recipes may call for lightly coating the chicken drumsticks with oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. An oil mister can help you control the amount of oil you use.
• Baking sheet: A baking sheet can be useful for seasoning and marinating the chicken drumsticks before cooking. You can also use it to transfer the chicken to the air fryer.
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Lining the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper can make clean-up easier and prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.

How to store Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks

To store air fried chicken drumsticks, follow these steps:

• Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. Leaving it out for no more than 2 hours is recommended to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Remove the chicken from the bones, if desired. This can make it easier to store and reheat the chicken.
• Transfer the chicken to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container or bag with the date of preparation.
• Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, you can use the air fryer again to re-crisp the chicken drumsticks. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Keep in mind that reheating chicken more than once is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Always make sure to reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Top tips

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the chicken and also prevent any excess moisture from making the chicken skin soggy.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Preheat the air fryer before cooking the chicken. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and ensure it gets crispy on the outside.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the chicken drumsticks to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the chicken drumsticks halfway through cooking. This will help ensure that both sides of the chicken are cooked evenly and crispy.
• Use a light coating of oil to help the chicken crisp up in the air fryer. Use an oil mister to lightly coat the chicken or brush it with a small amount of oil.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist and tender.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favorite flavors. You can use a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces to customize the flavor of the chicken drumsticks.

By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy air fried chicken drumsticks that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.