Description
Juicy, tender chicken with perfectly crispy skin in just 20 minutes! This air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal oil, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
Optional: 1 cup ranch dressing for dipping, 1 tsp hot sauce for extra heat
Instructions
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin in a bowl to create seasoning blend.
- Coat drumsticks with olive oil in a large bowl or bag.
- Sprinkle seasoning blend evenly over drumsticks and massage into meat.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2–5 minutes depending on model.
- Arrange drumsticks in basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 10 minutes.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add 2–3 minutes if needed.
- Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Don’t overcrowd basket—air circulation is key. Use a digital thermometer for accurate doneness. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, 20 minute dinner, keto chicken