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Homemade Air Fryer Fried Chicken photo

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks seasoned with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder for extra crispiness.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • air fryer basket
  • Large Bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the 2 pounds of chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, add the drumsticks and 1½ tablespoons canola oil; toss to coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Add 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 to the bowl. Toss until each drumstick is evenly coated.
  4. (Optional) Let the coated drumsticks sit 5–10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (if your model recommends preheating).
  6. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (cook in two batches if needed).
  7. Air fry at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks once halfway through cooking (about 12–15 minutes in).
  8. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F and the skin should be browned and crispy. If needed, return to the air fryer until 165°F is reached.
  9. Remove the drumsticks and let rest a few minutes before serving.

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.