Air fryer Cajun chicken drumsticks are a flavorful and easy dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. These spicy chicken legs are packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.
These are super easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides. With the tips and tricks we've shared, you'll be able to make perfect Cajun chicken drumsticks in your air fryer every time!
Table of Contents
- 1 Air fryer Cajun Chicken drumsticks Recipe
- 2 Why this recipe is so good!
- 3 Ingredients (with Substitutions)
- 4 How long to cook Cajun Chicken drumsticks in air fryer
- 5 How to make Cajun chicken drumsticks in air fryer
- 6 What to serve with air fried Cajun chicken drumsticks
- 7 How to store and reheat
- 8 Air frying Tips
- 9 FAQs
- 10 More air fryer recipes
- 11 Air fryer Cajun Chicken drumsticks
Air fryer Cajun Chicken drumsticks Recipe
If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s packed full of flavor then you’ll love these delicious air fryer Cajun chicken drumsticks.
Seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that are easily accessible, if you don’t already have in your pantry. This air fryer chicken comes out juicy, tender and so delicious with minimal effort.
Going by these air fryer marinated chicken drumsticks, crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks, butterflied chicken drumsticks and this teriyaki chicken legs, you’ll know drumsticks are some of our favs!
💡You can make this recipe with any part of chicken you like, chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in, chicken wings and chicken leg quarters can be used. You would need to adjust the timing accordingly
Why this recipe is so good!
- Flavorful: The Cajun spice blend takes this chicken recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you’re in search of a tasty spicy chicken drumsticks recipe, look no further than this I promise!
- Quick and easy to make: How does few ingredients and minimal prep sound? These take way less time to make in the air fryer than in the oven. It’s foolproof and beginner friendly.
- Great for meal prep: Works perfectly for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas
- Family friendly and picky eater approved: this is an easy chicken recipe with no breading that’s low carb, versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
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Ingredients (with Substitutions)
- Chicken drumsticks
- Paprika
- salt
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- dried thyme
- black pepper
- white pepper
- cayenne pepper
Substitution: You can substitute this homemade Cajun Seasoning blend with store-bought Cajun such as Slap yo mama Cajun. If using store bought, add 1 table of garlic powder to 2 tablespoons of Cajun Seasoning to make this recipe.
How long to cook Cajun Chicken drumsticks in air fryer
It usually takes about 25 minutes to cook at a temperature of 400°F to cook Cajun chicken drumsticks in the air fryer. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken legs, the specific air fryer being used and if you preheat the air fryer or not.
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. Don’t be afraid to add more time as needed.
You should also flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
How to make Cajun chicken drumsticks in air fryer
This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to the end of this post for a printable recipe card with the amount of ingredients and full recipe instructions.
- Mix the spices, herbs and oil together in a bowl then add chicken drumsticks to Cajun seasoning marinade. Toss to coat ensuring all sides are covered.
- You can cook immediately or cover with cling film and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 mins.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the outside is crispy and browned.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it or a few minutes before serving.
What to serve with air fried Cajun chicken drumsticks
This is a great main dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some of our favorites include
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or these air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts and air fryer Brussel sprouts and bacon
- Rice or quinoa
- Corn on the cob
- Air fryer Baked sweet potatoes or air fryer sweet potato fries
- Salads, coleslaw or these air fryer canned green beans or air fryer bacon wrapped green beans
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Mac and cheese
How to store and reheat
To store these air fried chicken legs, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating chicken in the air fryer is the best in my opinion. Place the chicken in the air fryer and air fry at 360°F 5 to 8 mins or until heated through.
It's important to note that reheating the chicken too long or at too high a temperature can dry it out, so be sure to monitor the chicken closely during the reheating process to avoid overcooking.
Air frying Tips
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning them to ensure the seasoning sticks.
- You can marinate for at least 30 mins if you have the time.
- No need to preheat the air fryer, however if you are cooking in batches, subsequent batches will likely cook faster so keep an eye on it.
- Don’t like the heat, tone it down by reducing the cayenne pepper or leave it out completely.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or tray. Make sure the drumsticks are not touching in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- If using larger drumsticks, adjust the cooking time accordingly because it may take longer than stated in the recipe. Let the digital meat thermometer guide you. The internal temp should be at least 165°F (74°C)
- Some store bought Cajun seasoning have more salt. Bear that in mind when seasoning the chicken with those. You could also experiment with different Cajun seasoning blends to find your favorite.
FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about this recipe. If your question isn’t answered, please leave us a comment below and we’ll gladly answer them.
Though marinating chicken for at least 30 mins will improve flavor, it’s not absolutely necessary , Simply season the chicken with Cajun seasoning or a blend of spices, and then air fry them.
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. This is the minimum safe temperature for cooked chicken.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer which I highly recommend, cut into the chicken, the meat should be firm and not red, the juices should run clear with no trace of red (blood).
Yes you can. Massage the seasoning blend into the drumsticks then air fry.
You do not need to preheat the air fryer. If your air fryer comes with automatic preheat, you can just put the chicken in while it preheats and continue cooking with after it preheat. Count cooking time from when you put it in the air fryer.
However if you decide to put the chicken in after the air fryer has preheated, the chicken will likely cook faster than stated in this recipe.
Yes you can make air fryer Cajun chicken drumsticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
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Tools used for this recipe
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- This recipe was made in a Gourmia air fryer however it has also been tested in my Cosori and Instant vortex air fryers.
- Mixing bowl
- Perforated Parchment paper or perforated silicon Mat (optional)
- Kitchen tongs (optional)
- Digital instant read Meat thermometer
- Heat resistant mat for your counter top
- Meal prep bowls for storage and easy reheating
More air fryer recipes
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Air Fryer Yum’s Pro Tip! Air fryer temperatures may vary depending on size, make and model. When making a recipe for the first time, start with less time, check for doneness then add more time as needed.
Air fryer Cajun Chicken drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix the spices, herbs and oil together in a bowl.
- Add chicken drumsticks to Cajun seasoning marinade. Toss to coat ensuring all sides are covered.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the outside is crispy and browned.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning them to ensure the seasoning sticks.
- If you have time marinate chicken for at least 30 mins before air frying.
- No need to preheat the air fryer, however if you are cooking in batches, subsequent batches will likely cook faster so keep ab eye on it.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or tray. Make sure the drumsticks are not touching in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- If using larger drumsticks, adjust the cooking time accordingly because it may take longer than stated in the recipe. Let the digital meat thermometer guide you. The internal temp should be at least 165°F (74°C)
- Some store bought Cajun seasoning have more salt. Bear that in mind when seasoning the chicken with those. You could also experiment with different Cajun seasoning blends to find your favorite.
Nutrition
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