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Chicken drumsticks air fryer cook time

Air fry at 380°F for 20 to 25 min.

Cook time20 to 25 minutes
Set to380°F
  • Cook side one0 to 10 min
  • Flip, then finish10 to 25 min
  • Rest+5 min
Batches1
Safe inside165°F
  • A thermometer in the thickest part tells you when it is done.
  • Air fryers vary by model. Start checking at the low end of the time.

What are you cooking?

FoodChicken drumsticksChange

Poultry

Beef

Pork

Seafood

Potatoes

Vegetables

Eggs

Snacks

How much?

Units
oz

Your air fryer

Type
Size
Power

Before you start

Preheated
Finish

More options

Coating
Liner
Out of the fridge

Chicken drumsticks in the air fryer

Air fry chicken drumsticks at 380°F (195°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. That is for bone-in, skin-on, in a preheated basket air fryer; the calculator above fits it to your weight, your air fryer and how you like it. Turn it halfway, so both sides brown.

It is safe once the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), as USDA advises; a thermometer tells you more than the clock. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken drumsticks in an air fryer basket
CutTemperatureTime
Bone-in, skin-on380°F (195°C)20 to 25 min

Questions

What temperature should I air fry chicken drumsticks at?

380°F (195°C) for bone-in, skin-on, for 20 to 25 minutes. Pick another cut in the calculator and the heat and time follow it.

Should I flip chicken drumsticks in the air fryer?

Yes, halfway through, so both sides brown. Start the timer and it tells you when.

How do I check chicken drumsticks for doneness?

When the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer, as USDA advises. The time gets you close; the thermometer tells you.

How many pieces fit in the basket?

As many as fit in one layer without touching. Tell the calculator how many you have and it counts the batches for your basket size.

Why let chicken drumsticks rest?

The juices settle back into the meat instead of running onto the board, and the middle finishes cooking. 5 minutes is enough.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

These times assume a preheated air fryer, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. From cold, choose "No, from cold" and 3 minutes are added.