These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks are flavorful and easy to make. Seasoned with a dry rub and tossed in buffalo sauce, you will love them!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Perfect for a crowd. Chicken drumsticks are always a good idea. Adults and kids love them, they are usually cheaper than other cuts and are easy to prepare and cook!
- Simple and quick recipe. These chicken drumsticks are made in the air fryer, use a few simple spices you already have in your spice cabinet and are done in just 30 minutes. They make the best party appetizer or can be paired with some sides for an easy dinner. If you love these drumsticks, you will also love my Air Fryer Dry Rub Wings and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Drumsticks- this recipe calls for 3 pounds of chicken for 6 servings, but you can use more or less depending on how many people you are cooking for. Use skin-on drumsticks for the crispiest chicken.
- Spices- this recipe uses garlic and onion powder, cayenne and paprika. You can use smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky flavor.
- Buffalo sauce- I love The New Primal buffalo sauce, but use your favorite.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Variations
If you want to try some other spice variations, go for it. You can use the same cooking time. Some ideas:
- Lemon pepper: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper and lemon juice.
- Dry rub: salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika, cayenne and brown sugar.
Instructions
Prep time + cook time = just 30 minutes! These chicken drumsticks will be ready in no time.
- Pat the chicken dry, combine all spices into a large bowl and coat each drumstick with the spices using your hands.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, add the chicken and cook in an even layer for 25 minutes. Coat with buffalo sauce and enjoy!
Hint: Cooking time depends on your individual air fryer so be sure to keep an eye on the drumsticks for the last few minutes to ensure they don't burn.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, however, this recipe is made specifically for thawed chicken. If you want to use frozen chicken, the cooking time will have to be extended.
Yes, depending on the ingredients used and how they are cooked. This recipe uses simple spices and no oil plus the air fryer for a healthy chicken recipe! Some buffalo sauces have better ingredients than others so be sure to read the label.
These drumsticks will last for up to 4 days in the fridge in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or use the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
Top Tips
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to achieve crispy drumsticks.
- Using a paper towel, pat the drumsticks dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning them with the spices.
- Make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Cook to 185 degrees F for no redness near the bone.
Serving
Pair the air fryer chicken drumsticks with my BBQ Chicken Nachos, Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad, Healthy Potato Salad, or Air Fryer Frozen Seasoned Fries.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
🍳Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- cooking oil spray
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and smoked paprika.
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel. Place the chicken legs in a large casserole dish or bowl and rub the spice mixture all over the chicken until each leg is fully coated.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in an even layer in the air fryer, spray lightly with cooking oil and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Add drumsticks to a bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to achieve crispy drumsticks.
- Using a paper towel, pat the drumsticks dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning with the spices.
- Make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Cook to 185 degrees F for no redness near the bone.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Kaitlin says
Quick and easy! The spice rub was so good we didn't even add the buffalo sauce but will be sure to try it next time. The drumsticks just came out so crispy and perfect we couldn't resist them.
Sarah Hill says
Hi Kaitlin, I will have to try them with just the rub next time! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sam T says
Easy and very tasty!!
Emilee says
Love this kinda recipes!! This one is one of my husband's and mine favorites!!! ❤️❤️
Sarah Holt says
Hi Emilee, I'm so happy you both enjoyed this recipe!