Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe

Rating 5.0
| 2
| Last Updated on February 23, 2024
Air fryer drumsticks are faster and easier than traditional drumstick recipes. These drumsticks are exceptionally juicy, thanks to the buttermilk brine.
Utensils Dinner
Globe New American
14
ingredients
10
steps
515
minutes
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Author Shot
Giselle Park
Giselle is a recipe developer and content creator that loves all things sweet and savory. She runs her own food blog, The Busy Spatula, and her work has been featured on Yahoo!, Marvel Studios and the Kitchn.

Ingredients

Servings:
4
1 1/2 cup(s)
buttermilk
4
garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp
salt
2 tsp
sugar
2 tsp
smoked paprika
freshly ground black pepper
1
batch of marinade, see above
2 lb
chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp
avocado oil
1/2 tsp
garlic powder
1/2 tsp
onion powder
1/2 tsp
smoked paprika
1/4 tsp
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper, to taste
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Directions 10 steps | 515 Minutes

Step 1

Make the brine. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic, salt, sugar, smoked paprika and black pepper.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Make the brine.
Step 2

Add the drumsticks, making sure that it is completely covered by the brine. 

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Add the drumsticks, making sure that it is completely covered by the brine.
Step 3

Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
Step 4

When ready to air fry, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and pepper to taste.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: When ready to air fry, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and pepper to taste.
Step 5

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Remove the drumsticks from the brine and pat away excess brine.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Step 6

Coat the drumsticks with avocado oil.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Coat the drumsticks with avocado oil.
Step 7

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks. Sprinkle on salt to taste.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks.
Step 8

Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to fry the drumsticks in two batches.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 9

Air fry the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, rotating the drumsticks halfway through cooking. Drumsticks should be golden brown and the internal temperature should be at least 165°F.

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Air fry the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, rotating the drumsticks halfway through cooking.
Step 10

Serve immediately with any side you desire. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe: Serve immediately with any side you desire.

Notes:

Sweet or hot paprika may be substituted for smoked paprika if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving
View All
CALORIES
488
FAT
29.1 g
PROTEIN
44.8 g
CARBS
10.4 g
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2 Comments
2 Comments
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Audrey H.

Audrey

18 Jul 2022

This is a great recipe if you don't want to heat up your entire oven, especially in the summer! It does take a little prep with the overnight brine, but it's definitely worth the wait!

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Sam N.

Sam

13 Sep 2021

Great recipe! Thank you for putting it together!!

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