Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken drumsticks; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika; cooking oil spray; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

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.

Versatile. You can adjust the spice level by altering the buffalo sauce or adding different seasonings, making it customizable to your taste.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for buffalo chicken drumsticks labelled and measured out.

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. You need garlic and onion powder, cayenne and paprika. You can use smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky flavor.

Buffalo sauce. Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce.

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

Chicken drumsticks in a bowl with spices.

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 air fryer so be sure to keep an eye on the drumsticks for the last few minutes to ensure they don't burn.

A hand dipping a chicken drumstick in ranch dressing.

Sarah's 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.

Storage & Reheating

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.

📋 Recipe