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–+ servings
Crispy chicken drumsticks still in the air fryer basket they were cooked in.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks couldn’t be easier and turn out moist and delicious every time. Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free but they work great as a make-ahead freezer meal too. All ages love these.
5 from 1 vote
Yield: 2 servings (2 drumsticks per person)
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:22 minutes
Total Time:27 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil

Instructions
 

  1. In a small bowl, stir together salt, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry season. 
  2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Use a paring knife or metal skewer to poke 10 to 15 holes in skin of each drumstick. Rub with oil and sprinkle evenly with spice mixture evenly on all sides and rub it in.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spread out the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, allowing for air circulation around each one. Air fry for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy on outside and internal temp is 195°F. (It’s hard to dry these out, so air fry a few extra minutes if you prefer a crispier texture.)

Freezer Instructions

Freeze For Later: Follow Step 1. Place the seasoned chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container in a single layer. Seal and freeze flat. Once it's fully frozen, you can move the meal elsewhere in the freezer.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely in the refrigerator. Follow Steps 2-4.

Notes/Tips

  • Tips for getting extra crispy drumsticks: 
    • Air fry a few minutes more if you’d like.
    • Poke about 10 holes in the skin before cooking. Poking the holes helps the fat to render and the drumsticks to get crispier, per America's Test Kitchen.
    • Do not over pack the air fryer. (In my test, 3 drumsticks got crispier than 6 even though they weren’t touching in either test.)

Nutrition

Serving: 2 drumsticks | Calories: 264 kcal (13%) | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 27 g (54%) | Fat: 16 g (25%) | Cholesterol: 140 mg (47%) | Sodium: 1321 mg (57%) | Fiber: 0.1 g | Sugar: 0.02 g
If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Author: Polly Conner