Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp dried parsley
- 1 ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt and pepper
¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground pepper
- ½ cup butter
melted
Directions
- 1
Lightly coat the inside of the air fryer tray or basket with non stick cooking spray.
- 2
Pat the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel.
- 3
Mix together grated parmesan, dried oregano, dried parslely, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- 4
Melt ½ cup butter in a different bowl.
- 5
First, dip the chicken drumstick in the melted butter. Coat on both sides.
- 6
Next, toss with the parmesan mixture. Coat both sides. Repeat the last two steps until all chicken drumsticks are coated.
- 7
Place chicken in a single layer in air fryer - cook in two batches if needed.Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes then flip over.
- 8
Cook an additional 12-15 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F as an internal temperature when poked with a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
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About this Recipe
Tired of dry, bland chicken drumsticks? Craving that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat without the deep-frying mess? These Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks are your answer for a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers on flavor and texture.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of the air fryer and a savory parmesan coating. The melted butter acts as the perfect adhesive, ensuring every crevice of the chicken drumstick is covered in a generous layer of grated parmesan, oregano, parsley, and paprika. When air-fried, this coating transforms into an irresistibly golden-brown, crispy crust, locking in moisture and delivering a burst of savory, herby flavor with every bite.
What to Expect
Prepare for a delightful sensory experience with these parmesan chicken drumsticks. You'll bite through a wonderfully crispy skin crackling with salty parmesan and aromatic herbs like oregano and parsley, yielding to incredibly tender, succulent meat underneath. The paprika adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color, while the salt and pepper perfectly season the chicken from the outside in. This dish is designed to be straightforward, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a fantastic addition to your go-to chicken recipes.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can easily adapt these drumsticks to your preference. Consider swapping the dried oregano and parsley for other dried Italian herbs like basil or thyme to slightly alter the aromatic profile. For a change of pace, chicken thighs could also be used instead of drumsticks, offering a similarly tender and flavorful experience.
Serving & Context
These Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual family dinner or as a centerpiece for a game day spread. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit.