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Learn how to make these air fryer chicken drumsticks EXTRA crispy and addicting. This easy chicken recipe requires super simple ingredients and pairs well with any side. Perfect for busy weeknights! I've also included an oven method in case you don't own an air fryer!
How to Make Extra Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Every time I make a skin-on chicken dish with a dry cooking method (without BBQ sauce), it's important that the skin turns out super crunchy. It's honestly my favorite part when I'm eating it! I've found that the highly concentrated hot air circulation of the air fryer makes this possible, along with coating the chicken with baking powder.
I've been using baking powder for crispy chicken for a while after reading this excerpt from Serious Eats: "Baking powder, it turns out, is good for quite a lot more than baking. The slightly alkaline mixture raises the skin's pH levels, which allows proteins to break down more efficiently, giving you crisper, more evenly browned results. Simultaneously, it combines with the bird's natural juices, forming carbon dioxide gas that leaves you with a layer of tiny bubbles. It's these bubbles that increase the skin's surface area, allowing it to develop a crunchy texture once cooked."
Isn't that super cool? The first time I tried it, I was so surprised at how well it worked, and using this method really yields the best, crispiest chicken!
Ingredient Notes
- chicken drumsticks
- avocado oil: Or your favorite cooking oil like olive oil.
- baking powder
- paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Air Fryer Method
I have several Whole30 and keto air fryer recipes on the blog and I love using the air fryer so much, because of how fast food can cook in it and it yields a much better texture than a standard oven. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer:
- Step 1:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes, if needed. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and toss with avocado oil.
- Step 2:
- Combine baking powder and the spice in a separate small bowl.
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle the chicken with the spice mixture and toss together until evenly coated.
- Step 4:
- Cook in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Step 5:
- The internal temperature of the drumsticks should have reached 165 degrees F. For best results, adjust the cooking time if necessary.
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Oven Method
Don't own an air fryer? You can also make these crispy chicken drumsticks in the oven and I've included instructions for that as well. The skin will definitely be more crunchy and crispy using the air fryer method, but they'll still turn out delicious!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, then coat the chicken drumsticks with the same spices and baking powder combo as the air fryer method. Bake for 40 minutes until they cook through and become golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through. If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner, these low carb and Whole30 chicken drumsticks come together in no time and go so well with various sides. They taste better than any other bbq chicken recipes I've tried!
Expert Tips
To spice these up, feel free to add a little chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice rub mixture. Alternatively, you can drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top before eating. Serve with your favorite side dish— french fries, sweet potatoes, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, and more! Or cut the dark meat chicken off the bone and serve on a salad! The drumsticks are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Check with an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to get them crispy and warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can you cook raw chicken in the air fryer? Yes! In fact, the chicken drumsticks in this recipe are cooked raw. By the time they are done, they have tender and juicy meat on in the inside while being deliciously crispy on the outside.
Can you put frozen drumsticks in the air fryer? Yes, they will take a longer time to cook, but it can be done. However, for this recipe, I recommend defrosting them first so the spices and the baking powder stick to the skin better.
Can you air fry chicken without batter? Of course. In fact, I wouldn't consider these chicken to have a batter, since it's just a thin coat of baking powder and spices.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can you cook raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! In fact, the chicken drumsticks in this method are cooked raw. By the time they are done, they have tender and juicy meat on the inside while being deliciously crispy on the outside.
- → Can you put frozen drumsticks in the air fryer?
Yes, they will take a longer time to cook, but it can be done. However, for best results, defrost them first so the spices and the baking powder stick to the skin better.
- → Why use baking powder for crispy chicken?
Baking powder raises the skin's pH levels, allowing proteins to break down more efficiently for crispier results. It also creates tiny bubbles that increase surface area, developing a crunchy texture once cooked.
- → What temperature should chicken drumsticks reach?
The drumsticks are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check with an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer for food safety.
- → Can I make these in a regular oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the air fryer method yields crispier skin, the oven method still produces delicious results.
- → How do I store leftover drumsticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness and warm them through.