Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil than traditional deep fryers. One food item that many people wonder about when it comes to air frying is chicken drumsticks. If you’re a fan of this juicy and savory part of the chicken, you might be wondering how long to cook drums in an air fryer. In this quick and easy guide, we will walk you through the process of cooking chicken drumsticks in an air fryer and provide you with some tips and tricks along the way.
Choosing the Right Drumsticks
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to choose the right drumsticks. Look for drumsticks that are fresh and have a nice pink color with no signs of discoloration or unpleasant odor. Additionally, try to pick drumsticks that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.
Preheating the Air Fryer
To ensure that your chicken drumsticks cook evenly and are crispy on the outside, it’s crucial to preheat your air fryer. Preheating typically takes around 5 minutes, but this may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Simply set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature and let it preheat.
Marinating the Drumsticks
While marinating is not absolutely necessary, it can add extra flavor to your chicken drumsticks. You can marinate them for as little as 15 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Some popular marinade options include soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step.
Preparing the Drumsticks
Before placing the drumsticks in the air fryer, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is essential to ensure that the skin becomes crispy during the cooking process. If desired, you can also lightly season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, or any other preferred seasoning.
Cooking the Drumsticks
Once your air fryer is preheated and the drumsticks are prepared, it’s time to cook them. The cooking time will depend on the size of your drumsticks and the desired level of crispiness. In general, cooking drumsticks in an air fryer takes about 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
First Cooking Cycle
Start by placing the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for the hot air to circulate. Cook the drumsticks for around 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will allow both sides to cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
Checking the Internal Temperature
To ensure that your drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to consume, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone to get an accurate reading.
Second Cooking Cycle
If the internal temperature has not reached 165°F (74°C) after the first cooking cycle, you can continue cooking the drumsticks for another 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and drying out. Remember to flip the drumsticks again halfway through this additional cooking time.
Tips and Tricks
– If you prefer a crispy skin, try spraying the drumsticks with a light coating of cooking oil before or during the cooking process.
– If you’re seasoning the drumsticks, be mindful of any high-sugar or sugary sauces, as they can burn in the air fryer.
– Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the drumsticks to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
– If you’re cooking frozen drumsticks, you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to your specific air fryer model and the size of the drumsticks.
Conclusion
Cooking drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you’ll be able to cook perfect drumsticks in your air fryer every time. Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and quantity of drumsticks you’re cooking. With a little practice, you’ll become a pro at cooking delicious drumsticks in your air fryer.