Roast Chicken Drumsticks - Air Fryer

Kaizen Wellness Recipe

Roast Chicken Drumsticks - Air Fryer

Crispy, juicy, and full of flavour, these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a simple, high-protein meal that the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or healthy lunches.

Roast Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer

Recipe At A Glance

Servings

4 servings

Cooking Method

Air Fryer

Storage

Up to 4 days refrigerated

Roast Chicken Drumsticks - Air Fryer

A budget-friendly, high-protein chicken recipe that delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and incredible flavour with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (approximately 1kg)
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs or thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks and rub to coat all sides.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow.
  6. Air fry at 190°C for 22–28 minutes.
  7. Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking.
  8. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 75°C at the thickest part of the meat.
  9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Guide

Drumstick Size Temperature Time
Small 190°C 20–22 minutes
Medium 190°C 22–25 minutes
Large 190°C 25–28 minutes

Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.

Optional Flavour Variations

  • Lemon & Herb: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the seasoning mix and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
  • Smoky BBQ: Add 1 tsp barbecue seasoning and ½ tsp smoked paprika.
  • Peri-Peri: Add 1 tsp peri-peri seasoning and a pinch of chilli flakes.
  • Cajun Style: Replace the mixed herbs with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

  • Roasted Sweet Potato
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Green Beans
  • Fresh Garden Salad

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

Based on 2 medium drumsticks, skin removed after cooking

220
Calories
30g
Protein
1g
Carbs
9g
Fat

Kaizen Tip

For extra crispy drumsticks, ensure the skin is dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Good airflow is the secret to achieving that delicious roasted texture without added oil.

Recipe Complete

Crispy, juicy, affordable, and family-friendly—these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a simple high-protein staple you'll make again and again.