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Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 82 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks delivers perfectly crispy and juicy chicken with minimal effort. Using a combination of baking powder and spices, these drumsticks get a golden, crunchy skin without any breading. The air fryer cooks them quickly at high heat, making this a quick and healthy option for a flavorful meal. You can also adapt the method for oven baking if you don’t have an air fryer.

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 8 chicken drumsticks

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the chicken skin.
  2. Coat the chicken with oil: Place the 8 chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and toss them evenly with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, which helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping.
  3. Mix the seasoning: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to create the spice blend.
  4. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled drumsticks and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
  5. Air fry the drumsticks: Arrange the coated drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
  6. Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating they are fully cooked. If not, cook a few minutes longer as necessary.
  7. Alternative oven method: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat the chicken drumsticks with the same seasoning blend as described. Place them in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Confirm they reach the internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

Notes

  • Baking powder is key to achieving extra crispy skin—do not substitute with baking soda.
  • Make sure the drumsticks are spaced in a single layer in the air fryer or oven for even cooking and crisping.
  • Flipping halfway through cooking promotes uniform browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
  • You can swap avocado oil with other high smoke point oils like canola or vegetable oil.

Find it online: https://yumbara.com/extra-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/