Description
Crispy, juicy, and ready in just 25 minutes—these air fryer chicken drumsticks are the ultimate weeknight dinner. With a secret ingredient (baking powder) for shatteringly crispy skin, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into restaurant-quality chicken at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or ¾ tsp table salt)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pat drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
- Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil to coat evenly.
- Mix baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss drumsticks in the seasoning blend until fully coated.
- Brush with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 10 minutes.
- Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always pat chicken dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Do not substitute baking soda for baking powder. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, keto chicken, easy air fryer recipe