Air fryer drumsticks are one of the easiest weeknight dinners you can make. All you need is chicken legs, olive oil, and a handful of spices and you’ve got a delicious recipe. Perfectly cooked chicken, crispy skin, and a dry rub that’ll knock your socks off-dinner never looked so good.

air fryer drumsticks in a white bowl on a white backdrop

Need a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love? If so, then you have GOT to try this super crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks recipe. This is a great recipe for those new to air frying since they’re hard to over cook, but it’s also just a great meal for anyone to have in their back pocket since it’s just SO good. Crispy skin, juicy chicken, and the best part -a powerhouse of a seasoning blend. This is easily a dinner that the whole family will love.

Speaking of family, mine was more than happy when I was testing this one. We usually make buffalo chicken legs, which has been a long time family favorite, but these crispy chicken drumsticks are seriously incredible, and might become your new favorite as well! I like serving them with broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrot fries, or sometimes my Cajun potato salad for a delicious and astonishingly easy weeknight dinner.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Healthy, easy weeknight dinner
Only a few simple ingredients
Easy clean up, only one dish is needed!
Crispy, juicy chicken legs
Drumsticks are hard to overcook, so this recipe is great for beginners!

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER DRUMSTICKS

Drumsticks: also known as chicken legs, this part of the chicken is super juicy and hard to overcook
Olive oil: The little bit of oil helps to ensure the skin gets very crispy and delicious
Spices: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper blend together beautifully to make the most incredible, mouth-watering seasoning

HOW TO MAKE DRUMSTICKS IN THE AIR FRYER

ingredients for air fryer chicken legs on a white backdrop. — **Prepare your ingredients**

seasoned chicken legs in a clear bowl. — **Season chicken legs**

drumsticks in an air fryer basket. — **Air fry at 380 F for 20 minutes flipping halfway through**

crispy air fryer drumsticks in an air fryer basket. — **Serve and enjoy!**

Put the drumsticks into a large bowl and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands to mix them around until the legs are fully coated in the seasoning
Place seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket being sure there’s a little space between one for air to circulate
Cook at 380 degrees f for 10 minutes, flip the legs then cook them for 10 more minutes
Let the air fryer chicken legs rest for 3-4 minutes before serving, then enjoy

MORE EASY DINNER RECIPES

air fryer pork loin sliced and served over baby potatoes on a white platter on top of a white countertop — Air Fryer Pork Loin

air fryer chicken tenders on a baking sheet — Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

air fryer whole chicken on a white plate with green leaves and cranberries — Air Fryer Whole Chicken

SEASONING VARIATIONS

If you want something different, swap out my seasoning blend for one of these ideas!

Taco seasoning
Chili lime
Cajun
Lemon pepper

Or try seasoning with only salt and pepper and toss in your favorite sauce after these crispy chicken legs are done cooking! You could try:

close up of drumsticks in a white bowl on top of a blue napkin.

EXPERT TIPS

For extra crispy skin, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning
Both chicken legs and chicken thighs should both be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees f. Use a meat thermometer if you're nervous
Be sure to flip the legs halfway through the cook time to ensure even cooking
Use 2 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning if you want something different
Make sure the drumsticks aren’t touching in the air fryer basket, they need the hot air to circulate in order to achieve the crispiest skin
Cook time will depend on the size of the drumstick. Larger ones may need 1-2 more minutes of cooking time

FAQs

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What’s the best way to reheat the drumsticks? Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees f for 5-6 minutes.
What temperature do chicken legs need to be cooked to? You want to cook both chicken legs and thighs to an internal temperature of 170 degrees f.
Can I cook frozen chicken legs? Yes, you can! You’ll cook frozen ones for 13-14 minutes per side.

crispy chicken legs in a white bowl with a glass and a bowl of seasoning.

Did you happen to make these air fryer drumsticks for dinner tonight? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. In addition, you can also follow me on Instagram @coleinthekitchen and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy recipes.