Butterflying chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is a great way to ensure even cooking and crisp, flavorful skin. This method allows for faster cooking while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these butterflied chicken legs are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Cooking chicken drumsticks in the air fryer reduces cook time while ensuring perfect results.
- Even cooking: Butterflying the drumsticks helps them cook more evenly, ensuring crispy skin without drying out the meat.
- Minimal ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
Begin by butterflying the drumsticks. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut along the length of each drumstick, exposing more of the meat. This allows the chicken to cook faster and ensures the skin gets extra crispy.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the butterflied drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated. If you like a bit of extra flavor, you can also add your favorite herbs or spices.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Drumsticks
Cook the chicken drumsticks for 18-22 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure they are evenly cooked on both sides. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring your chicken reaches the right internal temperature is key to both safety and taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly and develop crispy skin.
- Add a marinade: For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks for a few hours or overnight before air frying.
Variations:
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Lemon and Herb: Add fresh lemon zest and chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the olive oil mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- BBQ Style: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
These butterflied chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with air fryer potato wedges, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces like ranch, buffalo, or honey mustard.