If your family is anything like mine, chicken drumstick meals are always a hit. They’re fun to eat, perfectly crispy, and, best of all—super cheap (which matters when you’re feeding a small army of kids who act like they’ve never been fed before). I’ve tried a lot of Air Fryer Chicken Drumstick Recipes, but this one? It’s the winner.
With just a few simple ingredients—garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and some seasonings—these Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks come out golden brown and packed with flavor. No deep frying, no mess, just crispy, juicy goodness. Whether you call them Air Fried Drumsticks, Parmesan Drumsticks, or just “those really good chicken things”, I promise, they’ll disappear fast.
So if you need a Simple Chicken Drumstick Recipe that’s big on taste but low on effort, grab your air fryer and let’s make some magic. Because a meal this good and this easy? That’s a mom win.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just stuff you probably already have:
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks (or however many your crew will devour)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that golden crisp)
- 1 tsp salt (flavor, baby)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or more if you like a little kick)
- 1 tsp paprika (adds color and a little smokiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because we love garlic)
- ½ tsp onion powder (for extra yum)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (makes it taste like you tried)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (we’re not here to be too healthy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you don’t have social plans)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (if you wanna be fancy)
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks
Step 1: Preheat That Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F. If it doesn’t need preheating, skip this step and feel superior.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Grab a big ol’ bowl and toss in your drumsticks, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands (or tongs if you’re being proper) and make sure every piece is fully coated.
(Pro tip: If your kids wander into the kitchen, tell them you’re making “chicken fries” and watch them get excited.)
Step 3: Air Fry ‘Em Up
Lay the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them—we want crispy, not soggy. Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you want that extra crispy crunch, bump the temp up to 400°F for the last 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
While the chicken is doing its thing, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a small bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens.
(Side note: This butter smells so good, my kids literally wandered into the kitchen asking what was for dinner. A rare moment.)
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Once the drumsticks are golden brown and cooked through (check with a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe zone), toss them in the garlic Parmesan butter. Sprinkle with extra cheese (because, duh) and some parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 6: Watch Them Vanish
Serve these babies up with ranch, veggies (if you’re trying to be a responsible adult), or just let your kids grab them straight off the plate.
FAQs – Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yep! Just add 5–7 extra minutes to the cook time. You can also thaw them in the fridge overnight for more even cooking.
Do I need to flip the drumsticks while air frying?
Yes! Flip them halfway through to make sure they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
How do I know when the drumsticks are done?
The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check, but if you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part—if the juices run clear, you’re good to go!
Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time—wings will cook a little faster, and thighs might take a few extra minutes.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yep! Bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last couple of minutes to get that crispy finish.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Card
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 –8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set it to 380°F (skip if your air fryer doesn’t need preheating).
Season the Drumsticks
- Toss drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
Air Fry
- Place drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crisp, increase to 400°F for the last 3–5 minutes.
Make Garlic Parmesan Butter
- Melt butter and mix with minced garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Toss & Serve
- Once drumsticks are golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp), toss them in the garlic Parmesan butter. Sprinkle with more Parmesan & parsley, and serve!
Notes
- Air fryer potato wedges
- Caesar salad
- Steamed veggies
- Mac & cheese (because yum!)
This Chicken Drumsticks Recipe has officially become a staple in our house because it checks all the boxes: quick, easy, and no complaints from the peanut gallery. Whether you call them Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fried Drumsticks, or just “those really good chicken things”, one thing’s for sure—they disappear FAST.
If you’ve been searching for Simple Chicken Drumstick Recipes that don’t require a ton of effort but still taste like you tried, this is it. No deep frying, no greasy mess—just perfectly seasoned, crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks that make you look like a kitchen rockstar (without the stress).
So go ahead, give these Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks a try, and let me know—did your kids love them? Did you get to eat one before they vanished? Because in my house, that’s never guaranteed.
