The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

In just 30 minutes, you can serve these amazingly juicy and crispy chicken drumsticks. Pair them with your favorite side dishes for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Start by preheating the air fryer to 380°F. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar.

1. Salt and Pepper

When it comes to cooking, salt and pepper are the most important ingredients that we use. They’re the lone towers of the table and they’re so versatile that it’s hard to imagine a dish without them.

They can be used to season everything from crockpot mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and even meat dishes.

You can also add your favorite sauce to the chicken legs during the air fryer cooking process to get a delicious baked-in BBQ flavor. This is a great option for those who want to try something different than the traditional oil and spice mix.

2. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a common ingredient in spice blends and dry rubs. It dissolves easily in liquids and combines with other dried spices to make a shelf-stable mix.

It is a mellow and more subdued flavor compared to fresh garlic, but it does have some slight sweetness that can make it an excellent choice for soups or sauces where you want to maintain the balance of flavors in your dish.

It is often used to season meats and vegetables, and is also a welcome addition in low-sodium dishes. In fact, it can be an important part of the recipe when making a no-salt spice mix.

3. Paprika

Paprika adds a little kick to the chicken and is also a great source of antioxidants. It is a flavorful way to season chicken and is very low in fat.

If you are looking for a healthy, fast, and delicious dinner, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are the perfect choice! They are easy to make and require just a few ingredients.

Dry your chicken thoroughly before coating it with oil and spices. This will help you achieve nice, crisp skins.

4. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a popular spice blend that is used in a wide variety of foods. It is a great way to add flavor to food quickly and easily.

This seasoning blend usually contains basil, oregano, sage, and thyme. Often, other herbs and spices are added to enhance the overall flavor of the mix.

When shopping for Italian seasoning, you should look for fresh herbs that are whole and dried. These will be more flavorful than pre-packaged seasoning mixes.

5. Brown Sugar

The best air fryer chicken drumsticks are made with brown sugar, which gives them a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. They are also extra juicy.

These are a crowd pleaser, and they can be served with any side dish or salad you like! Dipping sauces are always a good option, too.

You can also add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or taco seasoning for a kick! Or slather them with BBQ or Buffalo style sauce near the end of cooking.

6. Olive Oil

Adding a little bit of olive oil to your air fryer chicken drumsticks gives them a crispier skin and better flavor! It also helps the chicken to cook faster and more evenly.

Pat the chicken legs dry before you add the seasonings and oil to ensure that they don’t steam while cooking!

You can use any cooking oil you prefer, but it’s best to choose an olive oil with a high smoke point as it will help prevent the drumsticks from burning. Using a thermometer is also important to ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through.