Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with Skin
Quick and tasty recipe for crispy skin-on chicken drumsticks cooked in an air fryer.
Steps
- 1
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub them well with oil, then season generously on both sides. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
- 2
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes.
- 3
Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Turn the drumsticks skin-side up. Reduce temperature to 175°C (350°F) and cook for another 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- 5
Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Shopping list
3-4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Recipe story
Crispy chicken drumsticks are a modern twist on traditional fried chicken, popular in Southern United States cuisine. The air frying technique was developed in Asia in the early 21st century, combining speed with crispy texture. This recipe has gained global popularity for its simplicity and perfect taste.
Ingredient Secrets
Black pepper
Known as 'black gold' in antiquity, pepper was so valuable that it served as currency and tribute. In the Middle Ages, Venetian merchants controlled the pepper trade, and individual peppercorns were often counted. Legend has it that when Alaric, king of the Visigoths, demanded tribute from Rome, he included 3,000 pounds of pepper.
Sea salt
Sea salt, extracted from ocean waters by evaporation, was one of the most precious goods of antiquity, used both as food and as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt, which is the origin of the word 'salary'. Salt roads connected entire civilizations, and in the Middle Ages, salt was so valuable it was called 'white gold'.
Paprika
Paprika, a emblematic spice brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus from the New World. Although associated with Hungarian cuisine, its origins are in Central America, where it was used by the Aztecs.
Garlic
Native to Central Asia, garlic was already known in ancient Egypt, where it was given to slaves to boost their strength. In ancient Greece, athletes consumed it before competitions, and in Rome, legionaries considered it essential for courage. During the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off vampires and the plague.
Onion
Probably originating in Central or West Asia, onions were cultivated in ancient Egypt, where they were considered a symbol of eternity and placed in tombs. In ancient Greece, athletes ate them to balance their blood, and in Rome, they were a staple food for soldiers. During the Middle Ages, onions were believed to protect against arrows and the plague.
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