Air Fryer Drumsticks
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These Air Fryer Drumsticks are coated in seasoning, air-fried to perfection, and then smothered in barbeque sauce. Simply the best!
Everyone loves drumsticks – they are a perfectly easy and economical weeknight meal.
Air Fryer Drumsticks
Air fryer chicken legs drumsticks are a perfect busy weeknight dinner option. These drumsticks cook up quickly with just a few basic ingredients. And best of all I can almost guarantee even the pickiest of eaters at your table will love them.
When life gets busy and cooking time is limited I know I can depend on my air fryer to come to the rescue. This amazing little appliance is absolutely the best kitchen helper I have found, but don’t tell my kids that! In all seriousness though, the air fryer really is my go-to on busy weeknights.
These drumsticks will keep well for a few days in the fridge in an airtight container. Leftovers also make an awesome lunch the next day. They can be eaten warm or cold so they are perfect for the kids’ lunchboxes. Just make sure to include an ice pack.
Why you’ll love These Air Fryer Drumsticks
Air Fryer Drumstick Ingredients + Tips
(Ingredients at a glance, find the full recipe in the printable card at the bottom of the post.)
- Drumsticks | I used 6 drumsticks or approximately 1 ½ to 2 pounds of chicken.
- Oil | I used olive oil, but you can also use avocado oil, canola, or your favorite cooking oil.
- Spices | You’ll need smoked paprika (smoked paprika has a bit more flavor than regular and complements the BBQ sauce), onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (for a bit of kick – you can omit the red pepper flakes if you do want additional heat).
- BBQ sauce | Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. Use a sugar-free Barbecue sauce and these drumsticks will be low carb/keto.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Legs
1 Prep: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400F for five minutes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl put the seasonings with 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil.
2 Coat the drumsticks: Place the drumsticks in the bowl and toss to completely coat them with the seasoned oil mixture, and set aside.
3 Cook: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the drumsticks in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket, as they need space for air circulation. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for 8 more minutes.
4 Brush with sauce: Pull out the basket, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the barbecue sauce caramelizes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Try to choose drumsticks that are roughly the same size so they cook at the same pace.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Make sure to pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This will absorb extra moisture and help achieve that deliciously crispy skin.
- Keep a jar of barbeque sauce in the fridge so you can whip up this recipe any time.
Variations
- Change up the dried spices.
- Use different kinds of barbeque sauce.
- For an even spicier kick, mix the barbecue sauce with some hot sauce.
- Serve with some dipping sauce – ranch dressing is always a good choice.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Freeze chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the drumsticks are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumstick. At 165 degrees F, the chicken is done. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part without touching the bone.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, you cook them on a baking sheet at 425 degrees F, for about 40 minutes.
Can I air fry Other cuts of chicken?
Of course! Air fry chicken thighs and chicken breasts at 375 for about 16 minutes and chicken tenders at 375 for about 8 minutes. Flip the chicken half way through the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 with an instant-read thermometer. For chicken wings, check out my Sir Fryer Chicken Wings here
Do I need to line the air fryer with aluminum foil?
In this recipe I suggest spraying with cooking spray so you don’t need aluminum foil.
What Should i serve with the air fryer chicken drumsticks?
Any type of potato dish would be great: baked potatoes, French fries, Parmesan Ranch Baked Potato Wedges, Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole, Potato Salad. Mac and Cheese, green beans, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad.
Looking for more air fryer recipes?
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Did You Make These Air Fryer Drumsticks?
Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. If you share an image on Instagram or Facebook, be sure to tag me and use #scatteredmomrecipes!
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Air Fryer Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 23
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 drumsticks 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: air fryer
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks, approximately 1 ½ to 2 pounds
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400F for five minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl put the seasonings of your choice with 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil.
- Put the drumsticks and toss to completely coat them with the seasoned oil, and set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the drumsticks in one layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket, as they need space for air circulation. (Cook in batches if needed.)
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Pull out the basket, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce,e and cook for 3 to 5 minute, until the barbecue caramelizes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 238
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 22
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