Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 5–6 pieces)
- 1½ Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the olive oil all over the drumsticks, coating them evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks and rub it in thoroughly, making sure every piece is well-seasoned.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks over using tongs.
- Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so air can circulate properly.
- Every air fryer runs a bit differently. Check your drumsticks at the 18-minute mark the first time you make them.
- A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Always check that the internal temp hits 165°F.
- For extra crispy skin, spray the drumsticks lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Save the leftover spice blend in a jar for your next batch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg