30 Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer Recipes For Golden, Crispy Bites of Goodness!

November 20, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

It is a lot easier and less fussy to cook drumsticks in the air fryer, but can you guarantee the same great taste and crunch? Well, as these chicken drumsticks air fryer recipes will prove to you, they can! These drumsticks can be just as delicious and there is also a whole variety of recipes to choose from. Check them out! 

chicken drumsticks air fryer

1. Paprika and Chili Drumsticks 

This recipe is ideal when you want a little bit of a kick of flavor to your drumsticks! Drizzle the chicken with oil and then toss in chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place in the air fryer and cook, making sure to flip them over halfway through! 

Get the recipe here

Paprika and Chili Drumsticks 

2. Crispy Spiced Drumsticks 

The key to getting these drumsticks extra crispy is the baking powder! Mix this ingredient with smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, herbs, and brown sugar. Then, air fry on each side until golden brown and crunchy! 

Get the recipe here

Crispy Spiced Drumsticks 

3. Southwest Spiced Drumsticks 

If you love Tex Mex food, then these drumsticks are going to be a new favorite! Toss the drumsticks in a mix of cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Drizzle the drumsticks with oil and then fry until crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Southwest Spiced Drumsticks 

4. Seasoned Cornflake Drumsticks 

The crunch on these drumsticks come from the cornflake coating on the chicken! Crush cornflakes and mix wih cajun seasoning and other spices. Dip the chicken in an egg wash and then roll in the crumbs. Air fry the drumsticks, turning them over at the halfway point! 

Get the recipe here

Seasoned Cornflake Drumsticks 

5. Lemon Pepper Drumsticks 

A little bit of a tang, a little bit of spice – these drumsticks offer the perfect level of subtle flavor! Coat the drumsticks in lemon juice, black pepper, paprika, olive oil, and garlic powder. Pop in the air fryer and cook until done. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of black pepper. 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Pepper Drumsticks 

6. Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Once you try these buffalo drumsticks you may just start to like them better than the wings! Coat the chicken in flour, cornflour, and spices and place in the air fryer to cook. In the meantime, simmer hot sauce, butter, and garlic together. Once the drumsticks are done, toss them in the sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing! 

Get the recipe here

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

7. Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks 

Flavorful and slightly cheesy, these drumsticks are so good! All you have to do is toss the chicken in a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese. Once coated, fry the chicken drumsticks until golden and crispy. Serve while warm~ 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks 

8. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Barbecue flavored drumsticks that don’t require you to turn on a grill – what could be better! The drumsticks are coated in a barbecue rub and then fried in the air fryer. Then, baste the chicken with barbecue sauce and cook for a bit longer! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

9. Honey Mustard Drumsticks 

The sweetness and the tang of this dish perfectly balance each other out, resulting in the yummiest drumsticks! Coat the chicken with seasonings and air fry. In the meantime, mix yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey. Brush this onto the drumsticks and air fry for a little longer! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Mustard Drumsticks 

10. Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks  

You wouldn’t believe how simple it is to whip up these delicious drumsticks! Simply marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce and then air fry, making sure to shake the basket a few times. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and green onions and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks  

11. Cajun Chicken Drumsticks 

This is another super easy recipe but you are rewarded with a smoky, spicy flavor! Toss the drumsticks in your favorite cajun seasoning and then air fry. Flip over at the halfway point and cook until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Cajun Chicken Drumsticks 

12. Maple Chicken Drumsticks 

Add some sweetness to your drumsticks with this yummy recipe! First, marinate the chicken in a mix of maple syrup, soy sauce, lemon juice, aromatics, and seasonings. Then, place in a preheated air fryer and cook until done! 

Get the recipe here

Maple Chicken Drumsticks 

13. Sweet Hot Drumsticks 

This recipe is all about the balance between sweet and spice! Lightly season the drumsticks and air fry. In the meantime, simmer coconut aminos, honey, butter, sriracha, vinegar, and seasonings together. Dip the drumsticks in this and then air fry again! 

Get the recipe here

Sweet Hot Drumsticks 

14. Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

If you love ranch, here is how to get your drumsticks to taste just like it! Make up a batch of homemade ranch seasoning and then toss the drumsticks in this. Pop in the air fryer and cook on each side until golden and crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

15. Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks 

These drumsticks are an explosion of flavor – you just have to try your hand at this recipe! Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, yogurt, spices, and dried fenugreek leaves. Place into the air fryer basket and cook until lightly charred. Serve with lemon wedges! 

Get the recipe here

Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks 

16. Cilantro Pesto Drumsticks 

These drumsticks offer bright and vibrant flavors, making them a delicious recipe! Score the chicken and marinate in a mixture of cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. Then, cook the drumsticks in the air fryer and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Cilantro Pesto Drumsticks 

17. Greek Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are full of subtle flavors that make this recipe an excellent snack or appetizer! The chicken is coated in olive oil, herbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, and baking powder. Then, place in the air fryer basket and fry until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Chicken Drumsticks

18. Orange Ginger Drumsticks 

This recipe is going to make your drumsticks taste like takeout! Butterfly the drumsticks and coat in spices before air frying. In the meantime, simmer orange juice and zest, ginger, garlic, honey, butter, and chili oil together. Brush the drumsticks in this glaze and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Orange Ginger Drumsticks 

19. Lemon Herb Drumsticks 

Tangy and earthy, these drumsticks offer up a refreshing flavor! Marinate the drumsticks in lemon juice, garlic, and fresh and dried herbs. Then, pop into the air fryer and serve. Sprinkle with lemon and fresh parsley before serving! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Herb Drumsticks 

20. Sesame Chicken Drumsticks 

Aromatic and crunchy, these drumsticks are sure to hit the spot each and every time! Toss the drumsticks with olive oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic and marinate for a short time. Then, sprinkle with sesame seeds and fry in the air fryer until done! 

Get the recipe here

Sesame Chicken Drumsticks 

21. Honey Soy Drumsticks 

These drumsticks are perfectly sweet and savory! Toss the drumsticks in a mix of soy sauce, honey, ginger powder, and garlic powder and marinate. Once done, place in the air fryer basket and cook until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Soy Drumsticks 

22. Aromatic Lemon Drumsticks 

If you love all kinds of flavors working together, you have got to try out this recipe! The chicken drumsticks are marinated in a mix of ginger, garlic, chilies, spices, and lemon juice. The drumsticks are then placed in an air fryer and cooked until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Aromatic Lemon Drumsticks 

23. Jerk Chicken Drumsticks 

This is another recipe that is just bursting with flavor! The drumsticks are coated in jerk seasoning, onion powder, and seasoning cube. You can choose to marinate the drumsticks or pop in the air fryer right away. Cook until crispy and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Jerk Chicken Drumsticks 

24. Sweet Soy Lime Drumsticks 

These drumsticks boast the perfect balance of flavors! The drumsticks are tossed in a mix of soy sauce, sweetener, lime juice and zest, sesame oil, sriracha, and garlic. Marinate the chicken and then air fry on each side until done!

Get the recipe here

Sweet Soy Lime Drumsticks 

25. Habanero BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

You have got to try this recipe if you love spicy dishes! You will need to start off by making the habanero BBQ sauce. Then, coat the chicken in garlic pepper seasoning and air fry. Once they have cooked for a while, brush with the sauce and cook until done. Brush on more sauce and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Habanero BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

26. Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

Sweet and spicy and served with the most incredible sauce, these drumsticks are too good! The drumsticks are coated in a mix of honey, garlic, and spices before being air fried. As this is happening, blend spinach, cilantro, jalapeno, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and seasoning. Drizzle the sauce over the drumsticks and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

27. Greek Yogurt Marinated Drumsticks 

Guarantee that your drumsticks are juicy and tender with this recipe! Mix yogurt and spices together and coat the drumsticks in this. Marinade for a while before placing in a preheated air fryer and cooking!

Get the recipe here

Greek Yogurt Marinated Drumsticks 

28. Chicken Drumsticks with Yogurt Ranch

The spiciness of the drumsticks are cooled down with the ranch dressing! First, toss the drumsticks in spices, pop in the air fryer and cook. In the meantime, mix together mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, seasonings and chives. Once the drumsticks are done, top with Italian parsley and serve with the dressing! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Drumsticks with Yogurt Ranch

29. Sesame Soy Drumsticks 

These super flavorful drumsticks are going to be a hit with everyone! Whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, honey and spices. Coat the chicken in this and then cook in the air fryer until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Sesame Soy Drumsticks 

30. Garlic Lime Drumsticks 

These yummy drumsticks are a breath of fresh air! Mix lime juice with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder. Marinate the drumsticks for a short while before popping in the air fryer and cooking – make sure to flip them hallway through. Serve hot!  

Get the recipe here

Garlic Lime Drumsticks

If you want to make drumsticks in the air fryer, there is no shortage of recipes for you to choose from. You have simple, sweet, spicy, and ones that have a whole combination of flavors. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try them out! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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