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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When choosing chicken drumsticks, look for ones that are fresh and plump. Fresh chicken will yield better flavor. I prefer organic chicken for its taste and quality. For the garlic, use fresh cloves instead of pre-minced. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. Choose high-quality grated Parmesan cheese. It should have a rich flavor. Avoid the powdered type for a better result. If you need to make swaps, you can use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks. They cook well and stay juicy. For garlic, garlic powder works but use less. Use about one teaspoon of garlic powder. If you do not have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste and will work well. You can also try dried basil in place of oregano for a different flavor. Use smoked salt if you want a unique twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix it all together until it forms a nice paste. Next, take your 8 chicken drumsticks and toss them into the bowl. Use your hands to coat each drumstick well with the garlic Parmesan mixture. You want every inch of the drumsticks covered. This ensures full flavor in every bite. Now, it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This step is key for getting that crispy texture. Once preheated, place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each drumstick. This allows air to flow for even cooking. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). After cooking, carefully take the drumsticks out of the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright pop of color. Serve these drumsticks with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. A fresh garden salad makes a perfect side. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy skin on your drumsticks, start with dry chicken. Pat them dry with a paper towel before coating. The garlic Parmesan mixture helps, but moisture can make them soggy. Make sure to coat every part of the drumstick evenly. This helps them cook well and get crispy. Cooking times can change based on size. If your drumsticks are larger, they may need more time. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If they need more time, add 5 minutes. Flip them halfway to help them cook evenly. Garnish adds color and flavor. Fresh parsley looks great and tastes nice. You can also use lemon zest for a fresh kick. If you like spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper on top. These simple touches elevate your dish and make it look fancy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the garlic and Parmesan to penetrate the meat. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Crispier Skin: For crispier skin, lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking spray before air frying. This adds extra crunch without the need for additional oil. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or chili powder for a unique twist on the recipe. {{image_2}} Want some heat? Add spice to your garlic parmesan drumsticks. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the marinade. This adds a warm kick. You can also use spicy seasoning blends. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Serve them with a cooling dip to balance the heat. For a fresh twist, try lemon herb air fryer drumsticks. Use fresh lemon juice and zest in your marinade. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a bright flavor. The citrus cuts through the richness of the cheese. This makes a light and zesty dish. Perfect for warm days or when you crave something fresh. Want a sweet touch? Drizzle honey over your cooked drumsticks. This adds a tasty glaze. Mix honey with extra minced garlic and a dash of soy sauce for a unique flavor. Brush this mixture on right before serving. It gives a beautiful shine and a sweet-savory taste. Pair this with fresh herbs for a lovely finish. After you enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the drumsticks in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you have extra marinade, keep it separate to avoid sogginess. Make sure to cool the drumsticks before storing. This helps keep them crispy. To reheat, I suggest using the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the drumsticks for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep them crispy. If using a microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel. This keeps them from drying out. If you want to keep drumsticks longer, freezing is a great option. Let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cook air fryer drumsticks at 375°F (190°C). This temperature gives the best crisp. It ensures the inside cooks well without burning the outside. I find that this temperature works best for even cooking. Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks. However, it’s best to thaw them first. Thawing helps the flavor soak in better. If you cook them frozen, add extra time. Aim for about 10 more minutes. Marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. Longer is better for flavor. I usually marinate them for a few hours. This allows the garlic and Parmesan to really stand out. Serve these drumsticks with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. A fresh garden salad pairs nicely too. You can also add some roasted veggies or fries for a full meal. These sides balance the rich flavors well. Yes, skinless drumsticks work in this recipe. They will still taste great with the garlic and Parmesan. Just keep in mind they may not be as crispy. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit for best results. In this post, we covered all you need for air fryer drumsticks. We started with the best ingredients and tips for quality and substitution. Then, we outlined easy steps to prepare and cook your drumsticks. I shared tips for that perfect crispy skin and tasty variations to try. Finally, I provided storage and reheating advice. With these points in mind, you can easily impress with your cooking skills. Enjoy making delicious drumsticks that everyone will love!

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Drumsticks

Crispy and flavorful chicken drumsticks coated in a garlic Parmesan mixture, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix until it forms a paste.
  • Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and use your hands to coat them thoroughly with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Ensure that each drumstick is well covered.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Arrange Drumsticks: Place the coated drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between each drumstick for even cooking.
  • Cook the Drumsticks: Air fry the drumsticks at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color before serving.

Notes

Serve with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, drumsticks, garlic, Parmesan