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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Easy Bold Seasoning Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks seasoned with a bold blend of spices, cooked quickly and healthily in an air fryer for a flavorful, mess-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds/900 grams), skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper; stir to blend evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, then toss them in the bowl with the seasoning mix; rub the spices evenly all over each drumstick (about 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10-12 minutes) until skin is golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Check doneness with a kitchen thermometer or pierce near the bone to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If skin isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. You can customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding chili flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, bold seasoning, easy chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken