15 Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipes – Crispy, Easy & Flavorful Air Fried Drumsticks

Okay, let’s talk about Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks—aka the easiest, crispiest, juiciest way to get dinner on the table fast. If you’re like me, you don’t have time to babysit a pan of oil or wait an hour for the oven. That’s where the Best Air Fryer comes in clutch. Whether you call ‘em Chicken Drums, Air Fryer Chicken Drummies, or Air Fried Drumsticks, this Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe is gonna be your new BFF.

I’ve tested so many Air Fry Recipes (because my kids act like they’re running a food critic business), and these Air Fry Chicken Legs Bone In Crispy always win. They taste like Air Fryer Fried Chicken without the deep-fry mess, and you can switch up flavors depending on your mood. BBQ? Gotcha. Spicy? Yup. Lemon pepper? Of course. Plus, if you’re wondering How To Make Chicken Drumsticks In The Air Fryer, I gotchu with step-by-step deets.

Oh, and don’t stress about Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Sides—they go with everything. Toss in some fries, roasted veggies, or even just ranch for dipping. Easy peasy. So whether you need Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipes for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just a bomb Airfryer Meal, this list of 15 Air Fry Drumsticks Recipes is all you need. Let’s get that Air Fryer Oven working!

1. Classic Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

This one is the OG of air fryer drumsticks—super simple, crazy crispy, and straight-up delicious. When I first started using an air fryer, this was my go-to. Just a few pantry staples, and boom, perfect chicken every time. The kids love it, and I don’t have to deal with deep-frying drama. Win-win!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel (crispy skin starts here).
3. Toss ‘em in a bowl with olive oil and all the seasonings. Mix well.
4. Place drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Let ‘em rest for a couple minutes before serving (so the juices don’t run out everywhere).

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2. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks

I swear, anything covered in garlic and parmesan instantly becomes a family favorite. These drumsticks are crispy, cheesy, and so dang good. I usually make extra because my kids inhale these like they’ve never seen food before.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Dry the drumsticks, then toss them with olive oil and spices (except parmesan).
3. Air fry for 22 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Sprinkle parmesan over drumsticks, then air fry 3 more minutes.
5. Let cool slightly and serve with extra parmesan on top!

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3. Honey Mustard Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Honey mustard just hits different, especially when it’s all caramelized on crispy chicken. This one is a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lotta good. My middle kid legit licks the plate every time.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Mix honey and mustards in a small bowl.
3. Coat drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Brush honey mustard glaze over drumsticks, then air fry for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve with extra honey mustard for dipping.

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4. Lemon Herb Air Fryer Drumsticks

Light, fresh, and herby—this one is perfect when you want something flavorful but not too heavy. My toddler calls it “lemon chicken lollipops” and, honestly, that’s adorable.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix oil, lemon juice, and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Toss drumsticks in mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

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5. Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Drumsticks

This one’s for the spice lovers! Cajun seasoning gives these drumsticks a nice kick, but it’s not too much for the kids (unless yours are super spice-sensitive). I like serving these with ranch or a cool dip to balance the heat.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Coat drumsticks in olive oil and seasonings.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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6. BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ chicken but make it air-fried? Yes, please. This one is my cheat code for busy nights when I wanna make something fun without standing over a grill. The kids love the sticky, saucy goodness, and I love that it takes almost no effort.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Coat drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Brush BBQ sauce all over drumsticks, then air fry for 5 more minutes.
5. Let cool for a few minutes (BBQ sauce gets HOT). Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

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7. Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Sweet, savory, and just a little sticky—teriyaki chicken is always a hit. My kids literally fight over the last piece. If you wanna make this extra good, serve it with rice and steamed broccoli.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ginger powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.
3. Coat drumsticks in sauce mixture and let marinate for 10 mins (if you got time).
4. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Brush with extra teriyaki sauce, then air fry 5 more minutes.
6. Let rest before serving (or be ready for messy hands).

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8. Buttermilk Ranch Air Fryer Drumsticks

If my kids could live off ranch, they would. These drumsticks are crispy, herby, and basically taste like ranch dressing in chicken form. So, yeah, they’re a fave.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix buttermilk and ranch seasoning, then marinate drumsticks for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from marinade, shake off excess liquid, and air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Serve with extra ranch (because why not?).

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9. Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo wings are great, but drumsticks? Way meatier, way better. These are perfect for game days or just when you want a lil’ spice in your life.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Coat drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Toss in buffalo sauce and melted butter before serving.

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10. Soy Garlic Air Fryer Drumsticks

Think of this as a mashup of teriyaki and garlic chicken. It’s flavorful, juicy, and totally addictive. My son calls it “fancy chicken,” which cracks me up.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, and seasonings.
3. Coat drumsticks and let them sit for a few minutes.
4. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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11. Mediterranean Air Fryer Drumsticks

If you love lemon, garlic, and oregano, this one’s for you. These taste like they belong at a fancy restaurant but take almost no work.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Toss drumsticks with oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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12. Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Air Fryer Drumsticks

For those who like a little heat but also some sweetness, this combo is fire (literally).

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Mix honey, sriracha, and garlic powder.
3. Coat drumsticks and air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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13. Tandoori-Style Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Spiced, smoky, and so dang good—this one’s inspired by classic tandoori chicken.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp tandoori spice mix
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Marinate drumsticks in yogurt, spice mix, and salt for 10 minutes.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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14. Sticky Honey Garlic Air Fryer Drumsticks

Sweet, garlicky, and just sticky enough to make you lick your fingers.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Coat drumsticks and air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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15. Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Drumsticks

Simple but crazy flavorful—lemon pepper never fails.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Toss drumsticks in oil and seasoning.
3. Air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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And there ya have it—15 Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipes to keep dinner stress-free and actually delicious. Whether you’re team Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Crispy, love a good Air Fryer Baked Chicken Drumsticks moment, or just need an Air Fry Drumsticks Recipe that doesn’t require deep frying, this list gotchu. Seriously, the Best Air Fryer Chicken is just a few minutes away.

I mean, who knew you could make Air Fryer Chicken Drummies taste like legit Fried Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer style without dealing with hot oil? My air fryer is basically my kitchen MVP at this point. And the best part? You can switch up the flavors, pair them with easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Sides, and boom—dinner done. So whether you’re making Chicken Drumlets Air Fryer style for the kids, testing out Air Fryer Chicken Legs Bone In Crispy, or just need an Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe that won’t disappoint, you’re all set.

Now go fire up that Best Air Fryer, pick a flavor, and make some Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks tonight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to boring baked chicken.