Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Looking for a deliciously crispy chicken dish that’s both easy to make and healthier than traditional frying? Enter the Air Fryer Fried Chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, bringing the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without all the oil. With just a handful of ingredients and an air…
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 poundschicken drumsticks about 8
- 1 1/2 tablespoonscanola oil
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika or sub. regular paprika
- 1 teaspoonchili powder
- 1 teaspoongarlic powder
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 1/2 teaspoonground black pepper
- 1 tablespoonbaking powder
Instructions
Instructions
- Pat the 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8) dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl combine 1½ tablespoons canola oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika), 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon baking powder. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss thoroughly so each piece is fully coated with the oil–spice–baking powder mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F if your model recommends preheating.
- Arrange the coated drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between pieces; cook in two batches if they don’t fit without overlapping.
- Air fry at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through the cooking time (about 12–15 minutes), until they are browned, crispy, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Remove the drumsticks and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
- Instant-read thermometer
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; work in batches if needed.
I always pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before tossing it in the seasoning mix. This helps the spices stick to the chicken better, so that they get really crispy in the Air Fryer!
For the juiciest air fried chicken, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. The juices will redistribute and make the chicken even more tender.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
I always pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before tossing it in the seasoning mix. This helps the spices stick to the chicken better, so that they get really crispy in the Air Fryer!
For the juiciest air fried chicken, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. The juices will redistribute and make the chicken even more tender.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.