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These air fryer chicken drumsticks are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder, and dried herbs. Cooked in the air fryer, they come out crispy and golden brown while maintaining a moist and juicy texture. The best part? These drumsticks come together in just 30 minutes!
“Wow this recipe is DELICIOUS!! I had some skinless chicken drums in my freezer and was looking for a recipe to make them juicy without sitting in a sauce. This recipe did not only fit the bill of what I was looking for, it was also SUPER EASY- it was PERFECT! My kids all LOVED it <3” Sylvia Miranda
These air-fried chicken legs are our crave
As a dietitian , I’m all about finding healthier ways to enjoy our favourite foods. And let me tell you, chicken drumsticks are always a hit in my book!
This air fryer chicken legs recipe? Well, it’s a bit of a legend around here. Created by none other than Mr. D himself, it’s become a household favourite.
Our kiddos go wild for chicken, and we try to keep things light by skipping the deep frying. That’s where the air fryer comes in!
And let me tell you, these drumsticks are a game-changer. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with spicy flavour—what more could you ask for?
Trust me, if you’ve never tried chicken like this, you’re in for a real treat. These legs outshine any fried chicken I’ve ever tasted! And, we often alternate between them and these Chicken Patties in our quest for healthy dinner options.
Ingredients
When I say easy, I mean it! Just 5 minutes of prep time and an air fryer is all you need. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients and steps:
- Chicken drumsticks: Fresh, bone-in, skin-off chicken legs work best for this recipe. While I haven’t tried it with chicken breasts, boneless, skinless ones might do the trick too. If you’re using frozen chicken drumsticks, just make sure they’re thawed!
- Salt and pepper: To help bind the spices to the chicken and provide a bit of salty flavour. In my opinion, coarse pepper works like a charm here.
- Cumin: This dish is delicious because of the wonderful combination of spices, particularly cumin.
- Garlic powder: To bring out the savoury flavours in the chicken. You could also use onion powder instead.
- Smoked paprika: For a bit of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.
- Oregano: For a sprinkle of herby flavour. I find oregano to be milder in taste, which is why I like to use it in this recipe. You could also use thyme or basil.
- Olive oil: For a dash of healthy fat and to help the spices stick to the chicken. You could also use avocado oil or another neutral-flavoured oil.
How to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer
Here’s how we roll.
You can find the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Nutrition highlights
This recipe is a fantastic source of nutrition:
- Protein: Get your protein fix with 12g per serving—that’s two drumsticks
- Calorie-Conscious: At just 100 kcal per serving, it’s a delicious meal option when creating a balanced plate.
- Low Fat: Thanks to the olive oil—these drumsticks support heart health.
- Carb Control: With only 2g of carbs per serving, they’re perfect for keeping your carb intake in check.
- Less Salt: Crafted with reduced salt content, these drumsticks are a healthier twist on a classic favourite!
Food safe storage
Keep your chicken drumsticks fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months (if you can resist gobbling them up!). When it’s time to reheat, let the air fryer work its magic at 400°F for 5 minutes—just long enough to bring back that crispy goodness! Feeling oven-bound? No problem! Stick them in at 375°F for about 10 minutes and watch them sizzle back to life!
Get the Recipe:
Moist & Marvelous Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
- 1 tsp salt, sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, coarse
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin, Benefits of olive oil
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Instructions
- Score the surface of the drumsticks. I do 2 scores on the fleshy side and one on the bone side
- Combine the spices and olive oil in a small bowl
- Add the spice-oil mix to the chicken. Using your hands, rub each chicken leg with the mixture. Be sure to coat each drumstick evenly
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer baskets. It's best to arrange them in a single layer, side by side, alternating the bone and fleshy sides
- Cook the drumsticks on 400F for 25 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway point
- Check that they have finished cooking, then remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Try and opt for similar-sized drumsticks. and be sure to score the surface of the chicken before marinating. This will help the spices penetrate better and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- Cook the chicken at a high temperature to get that nice crispy outer flesh. I find 400F to be the perfect temperature. You want to flip the chicken over at the halfway point to ensure even cooking.
- In my opinion, it’s important to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in all the juices.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Why is my air fryer chicken tough?
If your air fryer chicken is tough, it’s likely because it was overcooked.
To avoid overcooking your chicken, I recommend checking it at the 20-minute mark and then cooking for an additional 5 minutes if needed.
Another reason your air fryer chicken might be tough is because it was frozen. If you want to cook frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first. I do not recommend cooking frozen chicken in the air fryer as it can produce tough, dry meat.
Hi how long can i leave the rub on before air frying it? thanks
Hi Lena, that’s a great question.
You’d be happy to hear that you don’t need to wait. You can send them right away for a flavour packed experience. Let me know how it goes 🙂 warmly, Shahzadi
Warmly,
Shahzadi
These became a family favorite the first time I made them. They are so moist and full of flavor! Everyone loves them, even the grandbabies!!
Oh my gosh, Lynda! This made my day! Delighted to hear you all love them as much as we do. They even go into my little guy’s lunchbox. Enjoy! And thanks for dropping your feedback here! Always a pleasure 🙂 Warmly, Shahzadi
Wow this recipe is DELICIOUS!! I had some skinless chicken drums in my freezer and was looking for a recipe to make them juicy without sitting in a sauce. This recipe did not only fit the bill of what I was looking for, it was also SUPER EASY- it was PERFECT! My kids all LOVED it <3
Hello, Sylvia! I am beyond delighted to hear this! Thanks heaps for sharing your feedback – melts my heart! Especially ecstatic that kiddos liked it too; they are the best taste testers!! 🙂 Warmly, Shahzadi