Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2.5 lb / 1.1 kg); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tsp soy sauce, optional glaze

Drumsticks are forgiving dark meat that loves hot air. Dry the skin, season boldly and give them room in the basket until the skin blisters and the meat near the bone hits 175°F. Honey-sesame or BBQ glaze is optional at the end.

34 min total
380°F / 193°C
4 servings
10 min prep

Jump to recipe See steps

Dry skin, then season

Moisture under the rub steams the skin. Pat hard, then oil and spices. A short uncovered fridge rest helps if you have time.

Dark meat wants higher temp

Pull drumsticks around 175°F (79°C) at the bone. 165°F is safe but the texture is better a little higher for legs.

Glaze last

Sugary sauces burn if they ride along from the start. Toss or brush in the final 2-3 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 10 min · Cook 24 min · Total 34 min · 4 servings

Air Fryer380°F / 193°C

Basket time24 min

Flip / shakeat 12 min

Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W and Ninja Foodi 6 qt

Crowding. 6-8 drumsticks max in a 6 qt. Batch if needed.

From frozen. From frozen: 360°F for 28-32 minutes, flip at 16, then raise to 380°F for 5 minutes to crisp.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Season

Pat the drumsticks dry. Toss with oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper until coated.
Drumsticks coated in spice rub

Cook

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange in a single layer.
Chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket
Cook 12 minutes. Flip and cook 10-12 minutes more until the skin is crisp and the meat near the bone reads 175°F (79°C).
If glazing, brush with honey-soy and cook 2 minutes more to set.
Rest 5 minutes before serving so juices stay in the meat.