Are you looking for a quick and delicious way to cook raw chicken drumsticks? Look no further than your air fryer! Cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer not only saves you time but also eliminates the need for a large amount of oil. This method results in crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Start by marinating the chicken drumsticks in your favorite seasoning blend. Whether you prefer a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder or a more elaborate marinade with herbs and spices, be sure to coat the drumsticks evenly for maximum flavor. Let the drumsticks marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes while you prepare the chicken drumsticks. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each drumstick, ensuring even cooking. If necessary, cook the drumsticks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks

Before cooking the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure delicious and safe-to-eat chicken:

  1. Thaw the chicken drumsticks if they are frozen. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.
  2. Remove any excess fat or skin from the drumsticks. This can be done by using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
  3. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any lingering bacteria and ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken better.
  4. Season the drumsticks according to your preferences. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own by combining herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
  5. Allow the chicken drumsticks to marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes. This helps enhance the flavor of the chicken.
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Once you have finished preparing the chicken drumsticks, you are ready to start cooking them in the air fryer. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Thawing the Drumsticks Removing Excess Fat and Skin Rinsing and Drying Seasoning the Drumsticks Marinating Time
Thaw the chicken drumsticks if they are frozen. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave. Remove any excess fat or skin from the drumsticks. This can be done by using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any lingering bacteria and ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken better. Season the drumsticks according to your preferences. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own by combining herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken drumsticks to marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes. This helps enhance the flavor of the chicken.
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Washing and Patting Dry

Before cooking raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it is essential to wash them thoroughly to remove any bacteria or contaminants. Start by rinsing the drumsticks under cold running water, making sure to remove any visible dirt or debris.

Next, use a paper towel to pat the drumsticks dry. This step is crucial as excess moisture can prevent the chicken from getting crispy in the air fryer. Ensure that all sides of the drumsticks are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning the Drumsticks

Before cooking the drumsticks, it’s important to season them to enhance their flavor. Here are some ideas for seasoning:

  • 1. Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle the drumsticks with salt and pepper to add basic seasoning.
  • 2. Garlic and Herb: Mix minced garlic, dried herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the drumsticks for a delicious aroma.
  • 3. BBQ Seasoning: Coat the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ seasoning to give them a smoky and tangy taste.
  • 4. Spicy Seasoning: If you like spicy food, use a mixture of chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of spices based on your heat preference.
  • 5. Asian-inspired: Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a pinch of brown sugar. Marinate the drumsticks for about 30 minutes before air frying for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Make sure to evenly coat the drumsticks with the seasoning of your choice. This step will add depth and flavor to the chicken drumsticks when they are cooked in the air fryer.

Using the Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, there are a few steps you’ll want to follow to ensure the perfect results. Here’s a breakdown of how to use your air fryer to cook delicious chicken drumsticks:

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Preparation

Before cooking the drumsticks, it’s important to prep them properly. Start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Next, season the drumsticks with your choice of spices. You can go with simple salt and pepper, or get creative with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices.

Cooking Process

Now it’s time to cook the drumsticks in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, you can lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

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If you want your drumsticks to be extra crispy, you can spray them with a light coating of cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

Ensuring Doneness

It’s important to ensure that the chicken drumsticks are cooked through and safe to eat. The internal temperature of the drumsticks should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone. If the temperature hasn’t reached 165°F (74°C), continue cooking for a few more minutes until it does.

Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain the juiciness of the meat.

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Temperature Cooking Time
400°F (200°C) 20-25 minutes

Using an air fryer to cook raw chicken drumsticks is a quick and convenient way to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken without the need for excessive oil. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to delicious chicken drumsticks in no time!

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking the raw chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating helps to ensure that the air fryer reaches the correct temperature for cooking, resulting in a crispy and delicious chicken drumstick.

Step 1: Plug in the Air Fryer

Start by plugging in the air fryer and placing it on a heat-resistant surface in a well-ventilated area. Make sure there is enough space around the air fryer for proper airflow.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

Next, set the temperature on the air fryer to the recommended cooking temperature for chicken drumsticks. This is usually around 400°F (200°C). Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on temperature settings for your air fryer model.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Once the temperature is set, allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes, but the exact time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer.

Step 4: Check the Preheating Indicator

Some air fryer models have a preheating indicator light that will turn off once the air fryer is preheated and ready for cooking. Check the indicator light to ensure that the air fryer has reached the desired temperature.

Preheating the air fryer is an essential step for cooking raw chicken drumsticks. It helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior. Once the air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with cooking the chicken drumsticks according to your preferred recipe.

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Step Description
Step 1 Plug in the Air Fryer
Step 2 Set the Temperature
Step 3 Preheat the Air Fryer
Step 4 Check the Preheating Indicator

Cooking the Drumsticks

Once you have prepared the drumsticks, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Spray or brush the drumsticks with a thin layer of oil to help them brown and crisp up.
  3. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
  4. Cook the drumsticks for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure even browning.
  5. Check the internal temperature of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. They should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked.
  6. If the drumsticks are not fully cooked, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until they reach the desired doneness.
  7. Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat juicier.
  8. Serve the cooked drumsticks hot with your favorite side dishes or sauces.

Enjoy your deliciously cooked air fryer chicken drumsticks!

FAQ

What temperature should I set my air fryer to cook raw chicken drumsticks?

You should set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to cook raw chicken drumsticks.

How long does it take to cook raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

It usually takes around 20-25 minutes to cook raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer.

Do I need to marinate the raw chicken drumsticks before cooking them in an air fryer?

No, marinating is not necessary, but you can marinate the drumsticks if you prefer to enhance the flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. It will take longer to cook compared to fresh or thawed drumsticks.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking raw chicken drumsticks?

Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking raw chicken drumsticks. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It mimics the cooking process of deep frying, but with significantly less oil.

Can I cook raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. In fact, an air fryer is a great way to cook drumsticks, as it helps to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.