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Home » Main Dishes

Juicy Air Fryer Drumsticks

Updated: Jun 18, 2025 · Published: Aug 6, 2024 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Juicy Air Fryer Drumsticks are the perfect solution for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner! These flavorful chicken drumsticks come out tender and juicy every time, with perfectly crispy skin — all thanks to the air fryer. Best of all, there’s no need for excess oil, and cleanup is a breeze. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a simple way to enjoy crispy chicken without the mess, this recipe delivers. We make these on repeat at our house, and I think you’ll love them too. Be sure to let me know if you give them a try!

Close-up of crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks showing golden, seasoned skin and juicy texture
A close-up of these juicy Air Fryer Drumsticks shows just how crispy and flavorful they are!

These drumsticks will become a fast family favorite! They are perfect all year because they cook up right in the air fryer!

Want another air fryer recipe? Try my Honey Lime Chicken Thighs!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Tips
  • Storage
  • Equipment
  • Air fryer Recipes
  • Quick Weeknight Meals to Try

Ingredients

  • chicken drumsticks
  • olive oil
  • sea salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • smoked paprika
  • chili powder
  • cajun seasoning
  • onion powder

See exact quantities in recipe card below.

Instructions

I love how this recipe is prepped in a baggie and cooked in an air fryer and saves me time!

Be sure and pat the drumsticks dry then put them all into a gallon baggie. Add the oil and zip up that baggie and work that oil onto all of those drumsticks. Then add the seasoning and do the same, massage it all over the drumsticks. Place the chicken into a preheated air fryer and cook for about 13 minutes then flip and cook for another 13 minutes. I personally like my drumsticks cooked to about 185 internal temp. This gets rid of any blood and makes them very tender! You can see this recipe in action in the video below!

Tips

Using the baggie method will be a big help on clean up and your hands! Just work that seasoning from the outside. I promise your chicken will still be well coated.

Don't skimp on the spices. That is what makes this dish so yummy!

Storage

This recipe is AWESOME reheated. Just pop back in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes and you have yourself lunch! Just store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Equipment

A good air fryer is key! For this recipe I used a Pampered Chef air fryer. But my next purchase will be this one here!

Air fryer Recipes

I love using my air fryer from breakfast to dinner to desserts!

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  • Air Fryer small batch chicken nuggets
    Small Batch Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
  • Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
    Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
  • Crispy buffalo chicken wings served in a paper-lined basket
    The BEST Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Quick Weeknight Meals to Try

  • quick and easy beef and broccoli
    Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli
  • eggroll in a bowl
    Egg Roll in a Bowl
  • chicken burrito in a skillet with beans and rice
    Chicken Burrito Skillet
  • Hearty 30-minute weeknight dinner served pasta and fresh herbs on top.
    Weeknight Chicken with Tomatoes
See more Quick Weeknight Meals →

Close-up of crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks showing golden, seasoned skin and juicy texture

Juicy Air Fryer Drusticks

Misty Tannery - www.learneditfrommymom.com
These Air Fryer Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. A quick, easy, and healthier option for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 26 minutes mins
Marinate 15 minutes mins
Total Time 51 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5 servings
Calories 297 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Pat drumsticks dry with paper towel.
    Mix all seasonings except oil in a bowl.
    Place all the drumsticks to a gallon sized baggie.
    Add oil, seal baggie and begin to work the oil into all drumsticks.
    Add seasonings and seal baggie again.
    Rub all the drumsticks around until all are coated with seasoning.
    Place in fridge for about 15 minutes (or longer if needed) while the Airfryer preheats to 400 degrees.
    Place drumsticks in hot Airfryer. About 13 minutes then flip for another 13 minutes.
    Temperature should read 165. I personally like my drumsticks at 185.
    Serve warm with sides. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2drumsticksCalories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 27gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
Keyword air fryer, airfryer, chicken, chicken drumsticks, chicken legs, crispy, healthy crispy chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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