The best air fryer chicken drumsticks, ready in 30 minutes! Cook the chicken legs in an air fryer to make them juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The complete ingredients + instructions are on the final recipe card. Before you scroll or jump down, Don’t miss the useful tips in the post!
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These air fryer chicken drumsticks (more specifically, air fryer chicken drumsticks) make a quick and easy dinner! Roasted Chicken Drumsticks It is my first choice, but I have recently taken out my air fryer more and more.Just like Air fried chicken wings, Making chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is better (faster!) than frying in the oven, and it becomes very juicy inside.
Why you would love this air fryer chicken drumstick recipe
- Juicy and tasty
- Crispy Chicken Skin
- Just a few simple steps to make
- Ready in less than 30 minutes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients, what each ingredient does, and alternative options for this air fryer chicken drumstick recipe. For measurement, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Chicken leg – Buy drumsticks with bones and skins. Look for those that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.
- butter – Using unsalted butter, we will use sea salt to customize the saltiness.
- parsley – Flat or curled.
- garlic – Freshly chopped garlic tastes best, but for convenience, canned garlic is also good.
- Smoked paprika – I prefer the smoky flavor, but regular paprika is fine too.
- Sea salt and black pepper

How to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer
This section shows how to cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, with step-by-step photos and detailed information about the technique. For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Warm up Air fryer. It heats up quickly, but this is an important step! Pat the chicken dry while doing this.
- Make compound butter. Mash with a fork butter, Garlic, parsley and sea salt.

- Season under the skin. Touch the skin of each chicken leg with your hand to separate it from the meat, then put a ball of butter under it and press it lightly to spread it out.
- Seasoning on the skin. spread Smoked paprika, pepper And more salt on the chicken drumsticks.
for reference: We put the butter under the skin so that it does not burn. This is what makes the meat super juicy!


- Air fried chicken. Put the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer with the skin facing down. Air fry for 10 minutes, turn it over, and air fry for 8-10 minutes.
tip: Use one Meat thermometer Confirmation is complete. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to fry chicken legs in an air fryer?
This air fryer chicken drumstick recipe requires 18-20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, Halfway through.
What is the temperature to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
380 degrees Fahrenheit It is the perfect air fryer temperature for fried chicken legs.This is better than Roasted Chicken Drumsticks, Due to increased air circulation.
Can you cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.you need to Add 5-7 minutes of cooking time. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, please note that if the chicken is frozen solid, you will not be able to put the compound butter under the skin. Instead, you can drizzle olive oil and use only spices on it.
Can you use this method to make other diced chicken?
Yes, this method is suitable for other skinned chicken pieces, such as thighs or breast bones.

Tips for the best air fryer chicken drumsticks
Please follow the tips below to get the best air fryer chicken drumsticks:
- Pat the chicken skin dry. This will ensure that the chicken becomes crispy.
- Push the garlic butter under the skin. This is the key to juicy and delicious chicken.
- Do not squeeze the air fryer. Leave enough space between the chicken to make it crispy. Six chicken drumsticks are a good number and can fit comfortably into my air fryer.
- Use one Meat thermometer. It ensures that your meat is fully cooked.
Storage instructions
- For leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the chicken drumsticks again in an air fryer or 350 degree F oven.
- freeze: Wrap the chicken legs tightly to prevent frostbite and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

What to serve with air fryer chicken drumsticks
Serve these air-fried chicken legs with a simple side:
Simpler air fryer recipe
If you like cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, you might also like some other air fryer recipes:
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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
The best air fryer chicken drumsticks, ready in 30 minutes! Cook the chicken legs in an air fryer to make them juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Preparation time 10 minute
Cooking time 18 minute
total time 28 minute
raw material
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Instructions
Tap the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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Warm up Air fryer in order to 5 minutes At 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mash the butter, garlic, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt with a fork to make compound butter.
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Put your hands under the skin of each chicken leg to separate it from the meat. Place a piece of compound butter under the skin and gently press the skin to spread it underneath.
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Season the chicken thighs (on the skin) with smoked paprika, pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
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Put the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer with the skin facing down.Air fryer 10 minutesTurn it over, then air-fry for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Recipe notes
Serving size: 1 drumstick
nutrient content
The amount per serving. The amount in the formula description above.
Calories 191
fat 14.7g
protein 13.5g
Total carbohydrates 0.6g
Net carbohydrates 0.5g
fiber 0.1g
sugar 0.1g
The nutrients are provided out of courtesy. Have questions about the calculation or why you get different results?Please see our Nutrition policy.
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