Make the most delicious fried chicken in your air fryer! So simple and easy, seasoned chicken drumsticks come out perfectly crispy and juicy without any of the fuss!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Make the best fried chicken at home with this super simple air fryer recipe!
This fool proof method guarantees the most crispy and succulent chicken drumsticks every time.
Seasoned in a dry spice rub, this is sure to become a family favorite!
Be sure to check out my oven fried chicken too!
Why You’ll Love this Air Fried Chicken:
- Healthier: Get that deep fried texture and flavor without all of the oil and fat!
- Quick: Super easy to prep, this fried chicken is ready to serve in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or easy appetizers.
- Kid-friendly: The whole family love this fried chicken, and you can feel good about serving it!
How to make Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Toss the drumsticks in oil and coat with the spices and baking powder.
- Place in the air fryer basket and fry. Flip halfway.
- Serve and enjoy! (It’s that easy!)
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
Can you oven bake them?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can oven bake these too. They won’t be quite as crispy but they will be delicious. Bake them at 375F for 30 to 40 minutes until cooked through.
Can you reheat them?
One of my favorite things about the air fryer, is that you can reheat crispy foods like this, and they taste like they’ve just been cooked fresh, rather than getting soggy.
The cooked fried chicken will keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the air fryer at 375F for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This helps it get extra crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken should be in a single layer, so cook in two batches if needed.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so that they won’t be dry.
Ditch your deep fat fryer and try this air fried fried chicken instead! It comes out so delicious and juicy and it’s super quick and easy! You won’t miss all the oil for sure!
More Air Fryer chicken recipes we love
If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chicken drumsticks about 8
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika can sub regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Pat dry drumsticks.
- In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with the oil then toss with the spices and baking powder
- Transfer to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in two batches, if needed). Air fry at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. Flip drumsticks halfway to ensure even cooking. The drumsticks are done when they are fully cooked (165 degrees F), browned, and crispy.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This helps it get extra crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken should be in a single layer, so cook in two batches if needed.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so that they won’t be dry.
Anita says
I loved this recipe, turned out so nice and crisp. Family said it is a keeper!!
Becky Hardin says
That sounds like a win!
Emmett Worthy says
Loved this recipe!!
Becky Hardin says
So glad you enjoyed it, Emmett!
Mel says
This is a keeper. Smells so goo when making and tastes great
Becky Hardin says
Yay! I’m so glad you love this recipe, Mel!