02/22/2026
Chicken drumsticks that are crispy in an air fryer
These are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. They're also one of the easiest dinners to make. No breading, no mess—just tasty chicken.
Things you need
8 to 10 chicken legs
1½ tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of onion powder
½ tsp of smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)
Black pepper and salt
Directions
Get the chicken dry
Use paper towels to dry the drumsticks very well. This step is important because it makes the skin crispier.
Time of year
If you're using smoked paprika, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are all covered.
Fry in the air
Put the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't stack them.
Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, turning it halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the chicken is done.
Let it rest and serve.
Let them sit for a few minutes before you serve them. They'll be hot and juicy.
Advice
Give them an extra 2 to 3 minutes at the end if you want them to be even crispier.
After cooking, these taste great with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey garlic.
The air fryer is great for reheating leftovers.