Olivia Carter
If you’re in search of a quick and easy way to make crispy and tender fried chicken drumsticks, look no further than your air fryer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires less oil but still achieves that desirable crunch. Plus, using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time, so you can enjoy your chicken drumsticks in no time.
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients: chicken drumsticks, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite seasonings. The key to making flavorful fried chicken is to marinate the drumsticks beforehand. You can choose a simple marinade with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with your own blend of spices. Let the drumsticks marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the drumsticks have marinated, it’s time to coat them in a seasoned flour mixture. In a bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, and your preferred seasonings. This is where you can add a kick of spice, if desired, with cayenne pepper or paprika. Dip each drumstick into beaten eggs, then roll it in the flour mixture until it’s well coated. Repeat this process for all the drumsticks.
Now, it’s time to cook the drumsticks in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender bite. Serve your fried chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside some mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a complete meal.
With the help of your air fryer, you can enjoy delicious crispy fried chicken drumsticks without the guilt of deep frying. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your air frying skills!
Step 1: Prepare the chicken drumsticks
Before you start cooking the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, you need to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Gather the ingredients:
First, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- Chicken drumsticks
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Canola oil spray
2. Preheat the air fryer:
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that it is hot enough to cook the chicken drumsticks evenly.
3. Season the chicken drumsticks:
Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
4. Prepare the breading station:
In three separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. This will be your breading station.
5. Coat the chicken drumsticks:
One by one, coat each chicken drumstick in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the drumsticks to ensure they adhere well.
6. Spray the air fryer basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with canola oil spray to prevent the chicken drumsticks from sticking.
Now that the chicken drumsticks are prepared, you can move on to the next step of cooking them in the air fryer.
Step 2: Marinate the drumsticks
Marinating the drumsticks is an essential step in adding flavor and tenderness to your fried chicken. Follow these simple steps to marinate your drumsticks:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Add the drumsticks to the marinade mixture, ensuring that each one is fully coated. You can use a pair of tongs to easily flip the drumsticks and make sure they are evenly marinated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the drumsticks for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken and make it more tender.
Marinating the drumsticks is an important step that should not be skipped. The flavors from the buttermilk and seasonings will infuse into the chicken, resulting in a delicious and juicy fried drumstick. Take the time to marinate your drumsticks properly to maximize the flavor and tenderness of your air-fried chicken.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Before you start cooking your delicious fried chicken drumsticks, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps ensure that your food cooks evenly and achieves that crispy, golden brown texture.
To preheat your air fryer, follow these simple steps:
- Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface, ensuring that there is enough space around it for proper air circulation.
- Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can take this time to season your chicken drumsticks with your preferred spices and herbs. This will add extra flavor to your crispy fried chicken.
Preheating the air fryer may seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it for the perfect fried chicken drumsticks. So don’t skip this important step and get ready for some mouthwatering results!
Step 4: Coat the drumsticks with breadcrumbs
After marinating the drumsticks, it’s time to coat them with breadcrumbs to achieve that crispy, golden exterior. Here’s how to do it:
Gather the ingredients:
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs
Coating the drumsticks:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
2. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl or plate, and season them with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you like. Mix well.
3. Take each drumstick out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
4. Roll the drumsticks in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Place the coated drumsticks in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. If necessary, cook them in batches.
6. Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
Once the drumsticks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.
Now your delicious and crispy air-fried chicken drumsticks are ready to be enjoyed!
Step 5: Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer
Once the drumsticks are coated in the seasoned flour mixture, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other, so they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the drumsticks in batches.
Close the air fryer and set the timer for 20 minutes. Cook the drumsticks for 10 minutes, then open the air fryer and flip them over using tongs. This will help them cook evenly on both sides.
After flipping the drumsticks, cook for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check their doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.
Optional: Basting the drumsticks
If you prefer a crispy and flavorful crust, you can baste the drumsticks with a brush during the cooking process. You can use melted butter, olive oil, or your favorite barbecue sauce for basting. Simply open the air fryer, brush the drumsticks with the desired sauce, then close the air fryer and continue cooking.
Serving the drumsticks
Once the drumsticks are cooked and reach the desired internal temperature, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Serve the drumsticks hot and enjoy them as they are or with your favorite dipping sauce. They make a delicious main dish for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game day snack.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – 2 pounds (900g) chicken drumsticks | 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. |
| – 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour | 2. In a bowl, mix the flour with the desired seasonings. |
| – 1 teaspoon salt | 3. Coat the drumsticks with the seasoned flour mixture. |
| – 1 teaspoon paprika | 4. Shake off any excess flour and place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket. |
| – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder | 5. Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. |
| – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder | 6. Optional: Baste the drumsticks with melted butter, olive oil, or barbecue sauce during the cooking process. |
| – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | 7. Check the internal temperature of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C). |
| – Optional: melted butter, olive oil, or barbecue sauce for basting | 8. Remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. |
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once your air-fried chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more delicious:
1. Pair with dipping sauces
Serve your air-fried drumsticks with a variety of dipping sauces to add flavor and enhance the overall taste. Popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.
2. Add sides
Complete your meal by adding some delicious sides. Consider serving your fried chicken drumsticks with coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. These side dishes will complement the flavors of the chicken and add some extra variety to your plate.
Remember, indulging in this crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken is a delight, but don’t forget to share with your family and friends. Enjoy!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
To make fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
How long does it take to cook fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken drumsticks and the specific model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 25-30 minutes to cook fried chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking.
