If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, easy, and quick way to make chicken, you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re looking for an Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe or a tasty option from your collection of Air Fryer Oven Recipes, this one is sure to hit the spot. With the right seasoning and a little time in the air fryer, you’ll have Spicy Air Fryer Chicken that rivals even the best buffalo wings.
If you’re a fan of Spicy Buffalo Sauce, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks Baked in the air fryer will definitely become one of your go-to Drumstick Recipes. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier spin on Wings and Drumstick Recipe classics. Air Fried Buffalo Chicken has never been easier to make, and these drumsticks are an excellent way to mix things up with a bold, spicy kick.
This Spicy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chicken Drumsticks or Chicken Drums, and the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you call them Drumlets or Drumsticks, this Air Fryer recipe will become your new favorite Spicy Drumstick Chicken Recipe for quick weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Drumsticks:
- Crispy Skin: The air fryer makes the chicken skin so crispy, like you deep fried it, but with way less oil.
- Juicy Inside: Even though the outside gets super crispy, the inside stays juicy and tender—just the way you want it!
- Perfect Spice Level: You can adjust how spicy you want them, so it’s perfect for everyone, from those who like a little kick to those who love a lot of heat.
- Quick and Easy: These drumsticks take about 30 minutes total—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something spicy!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (make sure the skin is on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you don’t like it too spicy!)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish (this adds a nice touch at the end)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get Your Chicken Ready: The first thing you wanna do is pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it all over so they’re coated well.
Mix Your Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like your chicken super spicy, you can always add a little more cayenne.
Season the Chicken: Now it’s time to make your chicken flavorful. Sprinkle the spice mix all over the drumsticks, and use your hands to rub it in well. Make sure every part of the chicken is covered. You want that seasoning to sink in for full flavor!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This only takes about 5 minutes, but it’s important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy from the start.
Cook the Drumsticks: Place your drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; leave a little space between each one so the air can circulate around and crisp them up. Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll want to see that golden crispy skin, and the chicken’s internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just check that the juices run clear.
Rest and Serve: When the drumsticks are done, take them out of the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making them extra juicy. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a little color, and you’re ready to eat!
Tips for Making Perfect Drumsticks:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For crispy skin, it’s best to air fry in batches if your air fryer is small. The chicken should not be stacked on top of each other.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more!
- Check the Temp: The best way to know if your chicken is cooked is by checking the internal temperature. It should be 165°F in the thickest part of the drumstick.
Why Air Frying Is So Awesome
I love using the air fryer for crispy chicken because it makes the skin crunchy without all the mess of deep frying. Plus, it cooks super fast! It’s also healthier since you use much less oil, but you still get that same delicious crispiness you crave. The air fryer is definitely a lifesaver for quick meals like this one.
So next time you’re craving something spicy and crispy, give these Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks a try. They’re so simple, full of flavor, and will definitely satisfy your chicken cravings! I can’t wait for you to try them and see how easy it is to make tasty, juicy drumsticks at home.
FAQs for Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
How long do I cook Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks?
Cook the drumsticks at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.
Can I make this recipe with other parts of the chicken?
Yes! You can use chicken legs, wings, or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces. Thicker cuts may need a bit longer, while wings will cook faster.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes helps the chicken cook evenly and get a crispy exterior.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
It’s best to thaw your chicken first for even cooking. If you’re in a rush, you can cook frozen drumsticks, but they’ll take longer (about 30-35 minutes), and you may need to adjust the seasoning.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! You can make these drumsticks as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For less heat, just cut back on the cayenne.
How do I know if the drumsticks are done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, and it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check by cutting into the drumstick—clear juices mean it’s done!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the drumsticks and season them up to a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and air fry them when you’re ready to cook. Leftover drumsticks can also be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
What sides go well with these spicy drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. For a fun twist, serve them with some homemade fries or a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Can I cook more than 8 drumsticks at once?
It’s best not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for maximum crispiness. If you need to cook more, do it in batches. Just make sure the drumsticks have space between them to allow air circulation.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
If you’re missing some spices, don’t worry! You can still make tasty drumsticks by using whatever spices you have on hand, like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add a little extra chili powder or cayenne if you like it spicy!
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken, these Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are the answer! Whether you’re following an Air Fryer Chicken Leg Recipe or experimenting with other Air Fryer Oven Recipes, this recipe offers a simple method to create a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it all over the chicken.
Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is coated evenly. Rub in the seasoning for extra flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Cook the Drumsticks:
- Arrange the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them. Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin should be crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Let the drumsticks rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve.
The Spicy Buffalo Sauce adds a bold kick, making these Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks a perfect choice for anyone craving something spicy. Plus, they’re a fantastic addition to your collection of Chicken Drumstick Recipes, offering the ideal balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
Not only are these Spicy Chicken Drumsticks great for quick weeknight dinners, but they also fit into your collection of Drumsticks Air Fryer recipes or even as a fun snack with Air Fryer Recipes Snacks. With a variety of flavors to choose from, like spicy drumstick chicken recipes or a buffalo chicken twist, you’ll never run out of new ways to enjoy Chicken Drumsticks or Chicken Drums.
Whether you’re making a Drumlets Recipe or learning How To Make Drumsticks in the air fryer, you’re sure to love how easy and delicious these drumsticks turn out every time. So, next time you’re in the mood for something spicy and crispy, give these Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks a try, and watch them become a family favorite!
