Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks come out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. They’re full of rich garlic flavor with a tasty, salty hint of Parmesan cheese. The air fryer cooks them evenly, giving you great crunch without using a lot of oil.
This recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and less greasy way to enjoy delicious chicken drumsticks.
recipe highlights
Imagine biting into a drumstick where the skin has this amazing, satisfying crunch. It’s not just a little crispy; it’s that perfect, audible crackle that makes you go, “Yes!” Now, right underneath that crispy layer, you’ve got this super juicy, tender chicken. It’s cooked just right, so it’s moist and flavorful all the way through.
And the taste? Oh, the taste. We’re talking about a rich, savory garlic flavor that’s not too overpowering, but just right. Then, you’ve got that salty, nutty Parmesan cheese that adds this extra layer of deliciousness. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
These chicken drumsticks aren’t just thrown together. They’re carefully made in an air fryer, which means they get that crispy outside without being greasy. Plus, the air fryer cooks them evenly, so you don’t have any dry or undercooked spots.
Basically, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make some seriously tasty chicken, these Air Fryer Drumsticks are it. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party snack, or just when you want something really good. You’ll probably want to make them again and again!
ingredients and substitutions
Get the full ingredient list and full instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Please note: Making changes to any recipe as written can result in a recipe failure.
Any substitutions or variations listed are simple or tried and true changes that we think will work in this recipe.
Results are not guaranteed.
Additions and Substitutions
- Substitute chicken thighs for the drumsticks. You could even use turkey drumsticks instead.
- Marinate the chicken drumsticks in a garlic and melted butter mixture before serving to keep them nice and moist if desired. Not for too long or you will lose the crispiness of the outside,
- For more seasoning add black pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, a teaspoon garlic powder more,
- Use more than the tsp paprika – go for two, for a more smokey flavor.
- Squeeze with lemon juice before serving for more zesty flavor.
How do I know my chicken drumsticks are ready?
When you are done cooking your chicken, be sure and use a meat thermometer to test the chicken to be sure it is cooked to a safe temperature.
Chicken should be 165 degrees internally to be consumed safely.
If for any reason it has not reached that temperature (please remember that all air fryers are different and it will depend on how frequently you opened it to check and how long you had it open), add 2 minutes and go from there.
Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken and Reheating Later
Here’s how to store your leftover air fryer garlic parmesan drumsticks to keep them tasting their best:
Microwaving is an option, but it will likely make the skin soft.
Cool Down: Let the drumsticks cool to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the skin soggy.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled air fried drumsticks or chicken legs in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
Fridge: Store them in the refrigerator. They’ll generally keep for 3-4 days.
Single Layers (If Possible): If you can, store them in a single layer to help maintain the crispiness of the skin.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at around 350∘F (175∘C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.
You can also reheat them in an oven, but the skin might not be as crispy.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Taco Sticks
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Intense Garlic Chicken Wings
We love chicken drumsticks, but this air fryer recipe could work for wings, breasts or any other cut of chicken to be honest.
We use it for many different things, and you can change it up to the way your family likes it too.
PLEASE NOTE:
While we have provided a jump to recipe button, please note that by skipping the copy, you are missing useful information on ingredients and techniques, substitutions, frequently asked questions with responses, tips and a lot more information that might be useful for troubleshooting or making the recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoons garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drumsticks and olive oil, toss to coat evenly.
- Rinse chicken drumsticks, pat dry and place on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, herbs and spices and sprinkle over the top of the drumsticks. Toss to coat completely.
- Put the drumsticks in your air fryer basket trying to keep them separated and not touching as much as possible.
- Turn the air fryer on at 400 degrees F and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the basket and flip the drumsticks over.
- Replace basket and continue cooking at 400 for another 10 minutes.
- Check chicken internal temperature. It should be 165 degrees. If not, add about 5 minutes and check again. When chicken is done, serve immediately.
Lovely, but where does the parmesan come in? We sprinkled over once cooked.
The Parmesan is usually added with the herbs and spices at the start so it’s fully coated, but we’ve done it the way you mentioned and it’s equally as fantastic. We are so happy you liked them!
This is made in our house weekly now. We use boneless skinless chicken thighs and LOVE it. Thank you!!