Air fryers can do it all. We’ve tackled how to make air fryer carrots. Air fryer gammon is surprisingly easy too. And we even showed you how to boil eggs in an air fryer. Who’d have thunk it? Now it’s the turn of the humble – but yummy – chicken drumstick.
Air fryer drumsticks are a quick and delicious meal that always go down well. Whether they’re crispy with extra crunch or sweet, sticky, and coated in a spicy marinade, they’ll be tender and full of flavour. Plus, they’re done in minutes. They’re really the definition of minimal effort for maximum taste.
So, if you want to know how to make the ultimate air fried chicken drumsticks, you’ve come to the right place…
Ingredients for perfect chicken drumsticks
It probably goes without saying, but you’re going to need some chicken. First off, start with fresh or thawed chicken legs – if it’s not a leg, it’s not a drumstick! From there, the ingredients you use will completely change the texture and flavour.
For crispy drumsticks:
Oil – A light coating of olive oil (or avocado oil) helps any seasoning to stick and crisps up your chicken.
Seasonings – Try onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper for a classic combo. Or experiment and throw on some cayenne for a spicy kick or Italian herbs if you’re after a fragrant touch.
Baking powder – Even just a tiny amount can really bump up the crispiness.
For sticky drumsticks:
Marinade or sauce – Use soy sauce, garlic, and honey for a sweet and savoury glaze. Want something a little less traditional? Add a bit of sriracha for heat or hoisin sauce for an Asian inspired twist.
Brown sugar – It’ll caramelise during cooking, creating a nice sticky coating.
Cornflour slurry – Helps to thicken up the glaze for a proper fast food finish.
How to cook air fryer chicken drumsticks
Luckily, cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer isn’t rocket science. And you won’t be waiting long to dig in either…
Crispy drumsticks:
Preheat and prep – Get your air fryer preheated to around 200°C (400°F). Then pat your drumsticks dry with kitchen towel and coat them lightly with some oil.
Season – Mix your spices in a bowl, then rub the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cook – Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for about 10 minutes, flip them, then cook for another 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
Sticky drumsticks:
Marinate – Combine your marinade ingredients (like honey, garlic, soy sauce etc) in a bag or bowl, then add your drumsticks. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes – or for even more flavour, leave them overnight.
Cook – Again, preheat the air fryer, but this time get it to 190°C (375°F). Take your drumsticks out of the marinade and cook for 10 minutes. Then flip and brush them with more of the marinade. Once that’s done, cook for an extra 10-12 minutes.
Glaze – For superb stickiness, heat up any leftover marinade on the hob, thicken it with cornflour, and brush it onto the drumsticks before you serve.
Sticky vs. crispy: which is better?
Choosing between sticky and crispy drumsticks all comes down to personal taste.
Crispy – If you love crunchy, savoury textures, crispy is the way to go. Pair it with some smoky BBQ or spicy seasoning for bold flavours.
Sticky – Sweet and tangy more your thing? Honey garlic or a teriyaki-style rub adds a rich, indulgent taste.
They both sound good right? Personally, we’d just make a batch of each. And then you get the best of both worlds.
Best air fryer tools and accessories
To avoid any kitchen nightmares, grab these utensils before you start cooking:
Tongs – Essential for flipping drumsticks without burning your fingers. We’d recommend silicone tipped ones, as they’re gentler on the air fryer basket.
Air fryer liners – Pop one in your air fryer and it’ll keep things clean and stop the chicken from sticking. There’ll be less cleaning up after too.
Meat thermometer – You’ve got to make sure your chicken is cooked properly. Food poisoning isn’t much fun…
Basting brush – Use it to apply your glaze or sauce evenly. Then every bite will be just as tasty.
Dipping sauces to serve with chicken drumsticks
Don’t forget the sauce! A simple dipping sauce can take your drumsticks from so-so to woah.
BBQ sauce – Always a winner. Smoky and tangy, it goes perfectly with crispy drumsticks.
Sweet chili mayo – Want a bit more of a kick with that sticky chicken? Mix sweet chili sauce with mayonnaise for a creamy, spicy dip.
Honey mustard – Blend honey and Dijon mustard together for a sweet, tangy hit of flavour.
Ranch dressing – A classic, cool option that works really well with crispy and sticky styles.
Side dishes to serve with chicken drumsticks
While your chicken drumsticks should definitely be the hero of your meal, you can’t go wrong with a few extra sides…
Air fryer potatoes – You’ve already got the crispy chicken. So, double up with a pile of crispy roasted potatoes.
Coleslaw – The crunch and sharpness of a good coleslaw balances out the rich taste of sticky drumsticks.
Grilled vegetables – Roast some broccoli, carrots or zucchini and add a bit of colour to your plate.
Salads – Whichever kind of chicken you’ve gone for, get a bowl and make a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. And hey, it’s healthy as well.
Tips for perfect air fryer results
The best chefs out there will always tell you that it’s technique that’ll take your dish up a notch. And with drumsticks, it’s no different…
Don’t overcrowd the basket – Leave some space between the drumsticks. It’ll let the air circulate properly and cook the chicken evenly.
Flip halfway – When it comes to food, there are few things worse than an overcooked drumstick. By flipping them halfway through your timer, you’ll cook them on both sides without burning them.
Pat dry – If you’re going for that crispy finish, pat the drumsticks dry with some kitchen towel. You’ll remove any excess moisture and it’ll stop them from getting soggy.
Use a meat thermometer – Always check that the inner temperature is around 74°C (165°F) before you tuck in. This’ll mean it’s cooked properly. For an accurate reading, push the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
Preheat your air fryer – Get the air fryer warmed up before you drop the chicken in. You’ll get a more consistent cook and they’ll be ready faster. You’ll appreciate that bit of planning ahead when you’re hungry.
So, now you know how to nail your air fryer chicken drumsticks. Want to whip up some other tasty treats in your air fryer? For the perfect fish finger sarnie, check out how to cook fish fingers in an air fryer. And when you’re craving a fry up, air fryer bacon: the ultimate guide will help you get that crispy finish every single time.
