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This air fryer drumstick recipe is the perfect keto-friendly snack or meal idea. Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken drumsticks feature a bold Cajun-style seasoning blend that is bound to have you coming back for more.

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Air Fryer or Oven Roasted Cajun Drumsticks

Chicken drummies are always such a HUGE hit at my house!

I have four young adult sons and two daughters who are all equally excited when they smell drumsticks cooking.

These Air fryer Cajun Drumsticks have the most flavorful seasoning combinations happening all over the super crispy skin (thank you air fryer!)!

I’ve also included instructions for roasting in the oven in case that’s what you prefer.

The saying ‘finger licking good’ is an understatement here. These babies are finger-licking Phenomenal!

As a mom, I love that drumsticks are often more affordable, which is a really big deal currently for our family.

The air fryer cooking method and the overall recipe are extremely SIMPLE. Especially considering the impressive finished product you’ll have. So keep this idea handy for those busy nights! Your family will be impressed and you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Once you start making your own spice mixes at home, it’s hard to go back to those store bought blends. Homemade is far superior in quality and affordability. Especially if you can find bulk spices at a local co-op or specialty store.

➡️Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix:

  • 4 Tbsps Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Tbsps Onion Powder
  • 2 Tbsps Garlic Powder
  • 2 Tbsps Oregano
  • 1 Tbsps Dried Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
  • 2 tsps Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tsps White Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, adds heat)
  • Add all spices to a medium-sized bowl and toss to combine well. Store in an airtight jar.

➡️Looking for more chicken drumstick ideas?

4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks, around 8 pieces
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps cajun seasoning
  • chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
  • fresh lemon or lime wedges, to serve

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees f. for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, using paper towels, pat the drumsticks completely dry.

In a large bowl place the chicken drumsticks. Drizzle them with your oil and sprinkle with the cajun seasoning.

 

Using your hands, thoroughly toss or rub to evenly coat each piece of chicken with the oil and seasonings.

➡️Air fryer Method:

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in your preheated air fryer and cook at 380 degrees f. for 18-20 minutes flipping the drumsticks halfway. A meat thermometer inserted reads 165 degrees f. when the chicken drumsticks are ready, and the juices run clear.

Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon or lime wedges.

➡️Oven-Roasted Method:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your drumsticks in a single layer on the parchment.

Roast your drumsticks uncovered until their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees f, about 40 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon or lime wedges.

Enjoy!

❤️Rachel

FAQ’s

Can you put drumsticks in an air fryer? 

Absolutely a great way to cook drumsticks!  It is quick and easy, produces crispy skin, and the chicken is tender.

Can you cook raw drumsticks in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw drumsticks in the air fryer.

Are air fryer chicken drumsticks healthy?

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are healthier than a deep fried or pan fried drumstick.

Can I make these drumsticks in the oven?

Yes! You can roast drumsticks in the oven and they are just as healthy and delicious however, it takes around 40 minutes to cook them instead of 20.

Servings: 4

Air Fryer Drumstick Recipe in 20 Minutes!

This air fryer drumstick recipe is the perfect keto-friendly snack or meal idea. Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken drumsticks feature a bold Cajun-style seasoning blend that is bound to have you coming back for more.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks, around 8 pieces
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps cajun seasoning
  • chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
  • fresh lemon or lime wedges, to serve

Cajun Seasoning for Chicken Drumsticks

  • 4 Tbsps Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Tbsps Onion Powder
  • 2 Tbsps Garlic Powder
  • 2 Tbsps Oregano
  • 1 Tbsps Dried Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
  • 2 tsps Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tsps White Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper, optional, adds heat

Instructions 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees f. for a few minutes.
  • Meanwhile, using paper towels, pat the drumsticks completely dry.
  • In a large bowl place the chicken drumsticks. Drizzle them with your oil and sprinkle with the cajun seasoning.
  • Using your hands, thoroughly toss or rub to evenly coat each piece of chicken with the oil and seasonings.

➡️Air fryer Method:

  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in your preheated air fryer and cook at 380 degrees f. for 18-20 minutes flipping the drumsticks halfway. A meat thermometer inserted reads 165 degrees f. when the chicken drumsticks are ready, and the juices run clear.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon or lime wedges.

➡️Oven-Roasted Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your drumsticks in a single layer on the parchment.
  • Roast your drumsticks uncovered until their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees f, about 40 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon or lime wedges.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 140mg, Sodium: 174mg, Potassium: 733mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 5441IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 128mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Hi, I'm Rachel!

Welcome to CleanFoodCrush! Here you will find SIMPLE and FUN recipes. We’re all about REAL Food for REAL Life. Eating a little bit better, not “perfect”.

I’ve been creating recipes, inspiration, and supportive online communities through Cleanfoodcrush for over 12 years! I hope you feel supported and inspired to make some small changes that add up big time!

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