This recipe for roasted chicken drumsticks in air fryer is easy, quick to make, and always turns out so tasty. Chicken drumsticks are coated in our homemade seasoning mix that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Then, they are air-fried until the skin is crispy with juicy meat inside.
First, I was not even sure if I should post this recipe. What can be so special and unique about cooking chicken legs in air fryer?
However, they always come out so flavorful and so delicious because of our special homemade seasoning.
That's why I really wanted to share this recipe with anyone looking for an easy but very delicious meal idea. It's a dish the whole family will love.
You can serve these crispy chicken legs with any side dish, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, french fries, or salads.
They will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You may also like our baked chicken drumsticks or boiled chicken drumsticks recipes.
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Ingredients list
You will need only a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. For the ingredient quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken legs: which are often called chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on part that includes the lower part of the chicken leg, from the knee joint to the ankle.
- Olive oil: I enjoy using olive oil for my chicken recipes, but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Home-made seasoning mix: salt, paprika, dried oregano, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne
- Lemon: you will need some lemon juice to add bright flavor.
How to air fry chicken legs
This air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe includes a few simple steps. I have also included the step-by-step images below alongside the directions.
- In a small bowl, combine all dried herbs, spices, salt, and brown sugar.
- Pat dry chicken legs with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and add lemon juice.
- Using your hands, coat the chicken legs with oil. Then sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture on top. Flip them and add the rest of the seasoning. Toss the chicken legs with your hands to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees f for 5 minutes. Place seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is some space left between them.
- Air fry chicken legs for 10 minutes at 390 degrees f using the "air-fry setting". Flip them and air fry for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 °F.
- Let them cool down for 5 minutes and serve them with your favorite side dish or a sauce.
Recipe tips
- Do not skip drying the chicken legs with paper towels, as it is an important step for crispy skin.
- Use the meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature, which should be 165 but better than 175 for dark meat.
- For best results and evenly browned skin, flip the chicken legs halfway through the cooking time.
- You can toss them in hot sauce or BBQ sauce and put them back in the air fryer for a few extra minutes at 400°F.
Frequently asked questions
It takes 20-25 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 390-400°F. Cooking time depends on the air fryer and the size of the chicken legs. Always use the instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Yes, I recommend flipping chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispy skin on both sides.
To ensure the chicken skin crisps up, follow these steps: pat dry raw chicken with a paper towel, rub it with oil and seasonings, and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
More air fryer chicken recipes
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Air fryer chicken quarters
- Air fryer chicken drumsticks with lemon pepper seasoning
- Air fryer chicken bites
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer thin sliced chicken breasts
📖 Recipe
Roasted Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, dark or light
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon (optional) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes to 390°F. Pat fry 6 chicken drumsticks with paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, dark or light, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon coriander , ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ⅛ teaspoon (optional) cayenne pepper . (use only half of the seasoning mix if cooking only 3 chicken drumsticks)
- Add chicken drumsticks to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Toss to combine. Add the seasoning mix and toss again until the chicken drumsticks are evenly coated.
- Place 3 chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them half way through the cooking time. The chicken drumsticks are ready when the internal temperature reaches at leas 175°F.
- Repeat the cooking process with the rest of the chicken. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
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