The BEST Air fryer Chicken Drumsticks

air fryer chicken drumsticks in a delicious coating on a sheet pan with parsley for garnish

These Air fryer Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with the most finger-licking good dry rub then cooked in the air fryer until they are tender and delicious. The air fryer creates the crispiest skin while keeping the chicken super juicy. This recipe makes the best Chicken Drumsticks you will ever eat! I was feeding a cottage full of teens and not one drumstick was left! Added bonus: the air fryer makes this recipe quick, easy and with minimal clean up!

5 Reasons why I love my Air Fryer

I resisted getting yet another kitchen appliance for too long, but the air fryer is one I absolutely do not regret! Our air fryer might be the most used appliance in my kitchen! I just bought another one for the cottage!

  1. Healthier Cooking: You can use significantly less oil when airfrying compared to traditional frying methods. This can reduce the fat and calorie content of your meals, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture.

  2. Quick and Efficient: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking and crispy results in a fraction of the time, making it a perfect tool for busy people.

  3. Easy Cleanup: Many air fryer components are dishwasher-safe, and the cooking basket is non-stick, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. This convenience saves you time and effort in the kitchen.

  4. Family Friendly: My non-cook of a husband and my 3 kids can use the air fryer with ease to make themselves all sorts of snacks and meals.

  5. Versatility: Air fryers are incredibly versatile. They can fry, bake, grill, and roast a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and meats to desserts. This versatility allows you to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques.

crispy skin on a chicken drumstick that has been air fried.

Why You’ll love these Air fryer Chicken Drumsticks:

These Chicken Drumsticks are made delicious with just a few items you likely already have in your pantry! For this recipe, I created a dry rub with brown sugar, garlic powder, dry mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt & pepper - all things you probably already have on hand! Some of my kids are weaklings when it comes to too much heat, so I omitted the cayenne, but if you like a little kick, definitely add it in!

I put the chicken drumsticks into a zip top bag with the dry rub and oil, then gave everything a good shake. They get popped into that preheated air fryer for about 20 minutes.

The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

  • 12 Chicken Drumsticks

  • 5 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tbsp dry mustard

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder (optional)

  • 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. Using paper towel, be sure to dry your chicken drumsticks very well. This will help get the skin nice and crispy!

  2. Preheat your Air Fryer to 380F while you combine the brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, S&P and cayenne (if using) for the dry rub.

  3. Place all the ingredients into a large zip top bag and shake well to coat the chicken.

  4. Add the chicken to the air fryer in a single layer and air fry for 18-22 minutes (smaller chicken drumsticks will cook faster). Give the basket a little shake half way through cooking to ensure even browning of the skin.

 

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes:

Perfect Airfryer Steak with Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Lim Dressing

Crispy Airfryer Chicken Wings

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Before you go, please don’t forget to review this recipe for the BEST Air fryer chicken drumsticks! Your experience with the recipe helps others! And tag me @christies.lovestory over on Instagram! I love seeing what you are creating in your kitchen!

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