The best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are done in just 20 minutes after marinating in olive oil, lime juice and spices. They come out tender and perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior. You'll never make drumsticks any other way again!
So I have somewhat of an addiction to the wings at this Swedish burger place called Max. They used to be my go-to any time I felt like treating myself to something extra.
But these days? I just make these air fryer chicken drumsticks instead! Tastier, healthier - and cheaper.
Why you will love this recipe
- It's quick - a simple marinade and then fry for 20 minutes
- It's easy - the air fryer does the work for you
- It's so packed with flavor you won't even need a sauce, thanks to that delicious Mexican Chicken Marinade
- Lime adds lightness and balances the spices
- It's a healthier choice as the air fryer "fries" your drumsticks with less oil
What you need to make it
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Olive oil can be switched for a neutral vegetable oil, or skipped
- If you skip the oil, instead mix the lime with the spices and then rub the drumsticks with this. I then recommend spraying or brushing the air fryer basket with just tiny bit of oil before frying.
- Spices - adjust amounts to suit your taste. The suggested amounts make it a little bit spicy, but not a lot.
How to make it
Making these air fryer chicken drumsticks comes in two steps: marinading and frying.
How to marinade the drumsticks
- Place all spices in a small bowl
- Mix
- Place the drumsticks in a plastic bag and pour over the mixed spices
- Squeeze over the lime
- Pour in the olive oil
- Close the bag with a clamp or a knot, then massage the drumsticks through it to get the marinade everywhere. Place in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
How to fry the drumsticks
- Preheat the air fryer by running it for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then place the drumsticks in the basket, in one layer.
- Fry in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then bring out the basket and turn the drumsticks
- Fry for 8 more minutes at 400°F (200°C), then bring them back out
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is done - it should have reached 179°F (82°C) near the bone. If they're not done, fry them for a few more minutes and then check again.
Tips & tricks
- Let the drumsticks marinade longer for even more taste
- Skip the marinading if you're in a hurry - just toss the drumsticks in the marinade and then place them straight in the air fryer
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is done
- Keep drumsticks in one layer for best results - if you increase the servings you may need to cook in multiple batches
- Preheat your air fryer for best results - see instructions in recipe card
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1 minute, or for 3-5 minutes in the air fryer or oven
Recipe FAQ
Yes, but I recommend thawing them first. Frozen drumsticks will take longer to cook through and then the outside might burn before the inside is done.
If you still want to use frozen drumsticks, they will take 5-10 minutes longer.
Cook time will vary slightly depending on your specific model, but they usually take 18-20 minutes on 400°F (200°C).
Yes, you can. Just bake at 425°F (225°C) for 40-50 minutes instead, until they've reached an inner temperature of 179°F (82°C) near the bone. Turn them halfway.
Yes, air fried chicken is healthier than many other types of chicken. The reason is that you only need a small amount of oil to air fry chicken, compared to deep drying or even pan frying. A lot of the oil also drips off the chicken while cooking in an air fryer.
What to serve with it
Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside these drumsticks:
- Air Fryer Tater Tots (homemade!)
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Spring Rolls
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Shopska Salad with Feta Cheese
- Creamy French Potato Salad
- Sour Cream Sauce with Avocado & Lime
- 2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
...and let me know what you loved about it in the comments.
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 4 drumsticks
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ lime juice only
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Marinade
- Mix together the spices in a small bowl.½ tsp paprika powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Place the drumsticks in a plastic bag and season with the mixed spices, lime juice and olive oil. Close the bag and massage the drumsticks through it to spread the marinade evenly. Place in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.4 drumsticks, ½ lime, 1 Tbsp olive oil
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer by running it for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Place the drumsticks in one layer in the air fryer basket. Fry for 18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), turning once after 10 minutes.
- Bring out the drumsticks and make sure they're done - if using a thermometer they should have reached 179°F (82°C) near the bone.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (225°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Spread out the drumsticks on the parchment paper and bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes, until the inner temperature near the bone has reached 179°F (82°C). Turn them halfway.
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
- Plastic bag
Video
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Olive oil can be switched for a neutral vegetable oil, or skipped
- If you skip the oil, instead mix the lime with the spices and then rub the drumsticks with this. I then recommend spraying or brushing the air fryer basket with just tiny bit of oil before frying.
- Spices - adjust amounts to suit your taste. The suggested amounts make it a little bit spicy, but not a lot.
Tips & tricks
- Let the drumsticks marinade longer for even more taste
- Skip the marinading if you're in a hurry - just toss the drumsticks in the marinade and then place them straight in the air fryer
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is done
- Keep drumsticks in one layer for best results - if you increase the servings you may need to cook in multiple batches
- Preheat your air fryer for best results - see instructions in recipe card
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1 minute, or for 3-5 minutes in the air fryer or oven
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Denise Stephenson
Very pleased with the results especially as not done in airfryer before. Could have had more spicy but still delicious