Chicken drumsticks
Small bone-in drumsticks with a turn at the midpoint.
Fresh, about 4 oz each
Fresh chicken drumsticks, about 4 oz each; reference yield is 8 drumsticks, arranged in a single layer.
- Air fryer setting
- 400°F
- Cooking time
- 20 min
°C settings are rounded to the nearest 5°C. Start checking at the earlier time.
- Preheat
- Preheat first
- Turn or shake
- Flip after 10 minutes.
At the basket
- Coat the drumsticks with a dry seasoning rub.
- Place in a preheated basket in one layer; turn after 10 minutes.
- At 20 minutes, check the center temperature and continue cooking if needed.
Before you cook
- The VA cross-check uses 4–6 oz pieces and an earlier temperature check. Piece size and appliance affect the finish.
Source notes
Reference research, not cooking tests by this site. Reviewed .
National Institute for Fitness and SportTiming reference
Air-Fryer Chicken Drums
About 4 oz each; preheat to 400°F, cook 20 minutes, flip at 10, and verify 165°F.
Location: Page 1 / ingredients and Air-Fryer Method
U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsCross-check
Air-Fried Chicken Drumsticks
4–6 oz drumsticks: 400°F, 10 then 8 minutes; check 165–175°F and extend 2–5 minutes as needed.
Location: Page 1 / directions 4–7