Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic and brown sugar and air fried until the skin is crisp and the meat pulls from the bone. Serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinBudget-friendly

Allergens: none of the major food allergens in the ingredients as written. Check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 25 min
  • Total 35 min
  • Yield 4 servings (8 drumsticks)
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks with smoked paprika rub

Drumsticks are one of the best buys at the meat counter, and the air fryer makes their skin as crisp as fried chicken.

Cook them to 175°F or higher: drumsticks are safe at 165°F but much more tender when cooked further.

Instructions

  1. Heat the air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 380°F.
  2. Season. Pat the drumsticks dry, toss with the oil, then the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
  3. Air fry. Cook in a single layer 22 to 26 minutes, turning every 8 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the meat reaches 175 to 185°F near the bone.
  4. Rest. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

500Calories
5 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
5 gNet carbs
34 gProtein
37 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinBudget-friendly

Tips

  • Toss with barbecue sauce for the last 3 minutes if you like them sticky.
  • Do not crowd the basket; cook in two batches if needed.

Having trouble? See why chicken turns out dry in our kitchen troubleshooting guide.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Freezer-friendly

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, until hot through (165°F), to re-crisp the skin.

Questions about this recipe

How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?
About 22 to 26 minutes at 380°F, turned a few times.
Why cook drumsticks past 165°F?
Dark meat has more connective tissue, which softens between 175 and 185°F.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Wine pairing guide

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