Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Air Fryer Blackened Drumsticks are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. With a perfect blend of spices and the magic of air frying, you'll create crispy, juicy drumsticks that are impossibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you're a cooking novice or a kitchen pro, this recipe will become your new go-to for an impressive and mouthwatering dinner that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create your blackening seasoning.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the seasoning adhere better and ensure a crispy texture.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Use your hands to rub the oil into the drumsticks for better adherence of the seasoning.
- Sprinkle the blackening seasoning mixture over the drumsticks, making sure to coat each piece generously. For best results, you can let the seasoned drumsticks marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- Once preheated, arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time (around the 12-13 minute mark) to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- After 25 minutes, check the internal temperature of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful.
- Serve your mouthwatering air fryer blackened drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure the most incredible crispy exterior.
- Don't skip marinating the drumsticks - even 10-15 minutes can dramatically enhance the flavor profile.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to guarantee even cooking and that perfect crispy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Experiment with the spice blend - you can adjust cayenne pepper for more or less heat according to your preference.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking oil before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 160mg
