These foolproof air fryer chicken drumsticks are crisp outside and wonderfully tender and juicy inside. Ready in practically half the time of baking them, for an easy weeknight dinner!
Use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry. Then transfer them to a large bowl or dish.
In a small bowl, combine the oil and all the spices, and mix well.
Coat the drumsticks with the spice mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours, for enhanced flavor. Even a short marination time will significantly enhance the flavor of the air fryer drumsticks.
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, optionally spraying lightly with cooking spray. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry the drumsticks for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway.To ensure the chicken is properly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding touching any bones. The temperature should read 170ºF/77ºC minimum. If it's not ready, cook it for a few more minutes and check again.
Remove the air-fried chicken legs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 10 minutes for the juices to redistribute/settle. Then, enjoy with your sides of choice!
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Notes
Preheat air fryer: Allow it to heat briefly before adding chicken for a crispier texture.Don't crowd the chicken: It needs space for air to circulate to become crispy.Keep the heat in: Avoid frequent opening to maintain optimal cooking temperature.Check for doneness: The internal temperature of the drumsticks should be 170-175ºF/77-79ºC.Check the blog post for the storing and serving suggestions!