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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks


  • Total Time: 25-32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These air fryer lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are incredibly simple to make and result in perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat every time. This healthy drumstick recipe is a fantastic weeknight meal option for the whole family. It’s a dish that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy evenings. If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious, and healthy way to get dinner on the table fast, these lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are about to become a new favorite. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring each drumstick is cooked to perfection with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 22.5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of salt (optional, depending on seasoning blend)
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Place the dried drumsticks in a large bowl.

    2. Season the Drumsticks: Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks in the bowl. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken. Use your hands to toss and rub the seasoning into each drumstick, ensuring they are all well coated. If your lemon pepper seasoning is low in salt, you can add a small pinch of extra salt at this stage.

    3. Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375 F (190 C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispier results.

    4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key for crispiness. You may need to cook them in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Leave a little space between each drumstick.

    5. Air Fry the Drumsticks: Cook the drumsticks at 375 F (190 C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-12 minute mark). Flipping ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.

    6. Check for Doneness: The drumsticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.

    7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the drumsticks from the air fryer basket and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired.

    • Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: air frying
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 2 drumsticks

    Keywords: chicken, drumsticks, lemon pepper, air fryer, crispy, healthy, weeknight, easy, poultry, dinner